Yahaya Bello, Ex-Kogi Governor, Remanded In Kuje Prison Over ₦110 Billion Fraud Allegations

Yahaya Bello, Ex-Kogi Governor, Remanded In Kuje Prison Over ₦110 Billion Fraud AllegationsA Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in Kuje Prison pending his trial over allegations of ₦110 billion fraud. The ruling came on Tuesday after Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to February 25, 2025.

Bello, who served as Kogi’s governor from 2016 to 2024, faces a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is accused, along with two former state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are co-defendants in the case.

The court also dismissed a bail application filed by Bello’s defense team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu, SAN. The judge stated that the application was submitted prematurely, as it was filed on November 22—three days before Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC on November 25. Justice Anenih ruled that a bail application should be filed only after the defendant is in custody, and as such, the application was invalid.

However, the court granted bail to the second and third defendants, Oricha and Hudu, setting the bail amount at ₦300 million each, with two sureties in like sum. Their travel documents were also seized as part of the bail conditions.

The EFCC, represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed granting Bello bail, citing his history of evading trial. The anti-graft agency highlighted that efforts to bring Bello to court for another case before the Federal High Court in Abuja had failed. The EFCC accused the former governor and his co-defendants of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

Bello’s defense team, on the other hand, maintained his innocence and requested bail to allow him to prepare his defense. Daudu denied claims by the EFCC that Bello had evaded trial, asserting that his client voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC.

The case has attracted significant public attention, with Nigerians offering mixed reactions. Some have praised the EFCC’s efforts to hold public officials accountable, while others have questioned the slow pace of high-profile corruption trials.

The ongoing trial, marked CR/7781, highlights Nigeria’s continued battle against corruption and the role of the judiciary in ensuring accountability among public officials. The EFCC has alleged that Bello misused state funds to acquire numerous properties, including:

•No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (₦950 million)

•No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million)

•No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million)

•Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million)

•Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5.7 million Dirhams)

•Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million)

•No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million)

Additionally, the defendants are accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States and possessing unlawfully obtained property, including ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

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