By David Ogar
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
Bello was arraigned alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
One of the charges alleges that Bello and his co-defendants used 5,698,888 Dirhams (approximately ₦1.9 billion) from the state treasury in 2022 to acquire property at the Burj Khalifa area in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Another charge accuses Bello of unlawfully obtaining ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited between 2017 and 2018.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), objected to bail applications filed on November 22, 2024, arguing that they were premature as they predated the defendants’ arraignment.
He also raised concerns about Bello’s alleged history of disregarding court summons and the risk of interference in the trial, citing the defendants’ political influence and access to public office.
Counsel for Bello, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that his client’s voluntary appearance before the court demonstrated his commitment to justice and urged the court to grant bail, referencing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody and scheduled the bail application hearing for December 10, 2024.
