Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as investigations into alleged misappropriation of state funds during his tenure continue.
Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday morning, driving himself in a black Toyota Hilux and accompanied by his legal team. His appearance follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding the EFCC’s constitutionality and dismissing a lawsuit filed by state governments challenging the anti-graft agency’s legality.
This latest session comes amid ongoing probes into Bello’s administration. At a previous hearing on November 14, the EFCC requested an adjournment until November 27, citing the ongoing 30-day summons period for new charges filed against the ex-governor.
The EFCC initially filed 19 charges against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, alleging money laundering offenses totaling N80.2 billion. Fresh charges dated September 25, however, involve an additional N110.4 billion.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed oral bail applications for co-defendants Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho in the N110.4 billion fraud case.
