Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Appears in Abuja Court Amid Tight Security

Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday under heavy security. The former governor arrived at the court premises around 8:50 a.m.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had announced plans to arraign Bello on charges of alleged financial impropriety during his time in office. His detention by the EFCC reportedly began on Tuesday around midday, after which he was questioned and spent the night in custody in Abuja.

According to EFCC sources, the charges against Bello involve allegations of fund mismanagement, embezzlement, and abuse of office during his tenure from 2016 to 2023.

A senior EFCC official confirmed that Bello was brought in on Tuesday afternoon, refuting claims that he voluntarily surrendered. The commission is pursuing fresh charges against Bello, totaling N110 billion. These new charges, dated September 25, follow an earlier case involving 19 counts of alleged money laundering amounting to over N80 billion.

Bello’s co-defendants, including his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, are also facing legal scrutiny in connection with the case. The High Court previously dismissed oral bail applications for two of Bello’s co-defendants.

The EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability, as the trial begins in Abuja under tight security.