The immediate former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has arrived at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja for the hearing on the alleged N110 billion fraud case against him. Bello, who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April, is facing charges of money laundering and other financial crimes.
The EFCC had initially filed 19 charges against Bello, along with his nephews Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for money laundering offenses amounting to over N80 billion. However, the charges were later reduced to 16, with the total sum allegedly laundered rising to over N110 billion.
During the court session, the EFCC sought an adjournment to Wednesday and admitted Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to administrative bail. The anti-graft commission also requested an extension of time for the first defendant to appear.
Bello, who had previously evaded arrest with the assistance of his successor, Usman Ododo, finally surrendered himself to the EFCC in Abuja on Tuesday. He was detained at the EFCC’s Abuja office and is currently being grilled by investigators.
