EFCC Files New N110bn Fraud Charges Against Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed new charges against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, accusing him of involvement in a N110bn fraud scheme.

The EFCC had previously filed 19 charges against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu for alleged money laundering totaling N80.2 billion. However, in the latest charges, dated September 25, the total amount in question has increased to N110.4 billion. Bello, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu are listed as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.

According to the EFCC, the trio are accused of purchasing 12 properties in different locations across Abuja using misappropriated funds. They are also charged with criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion that was allegedly entrusted to them.

In one specific instance, the EFCC claims that in 2023, Bello and his co-defendants used N950 million from the state treasury to buy a property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja. The offense violates Section 311 of the Penal Code Law and is punishable under Section 312 of the same law.

Other allegations include the dishonest use of N100 million in 2021 to acquire a property at No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja, and N920 million to purchase a property at No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

The EFCC also claims the defendants used state funds to buy additional properties, including one on Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja for N170 million, and another worth N100 million at No. 1773 Guzape District, Abuja.

Moreover, the commission alleges that the defendants transferred $570,330 and $556,265 in 2021 to an account in TD Bank, USA.

In another charge, Bello is accused of controlling N677.8 million obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited between 2017 and 2018.