Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, appeared at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja today to face arraignment on a 16-count charge of money laundering amounting to ₦110 billion.
The case, brought forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accuses Bello of embezzling funds during his tenure as governor.
Heavy security was deployed around the court premises, reflecting the high-profile nature of the case. Bello, who had earlier been detained by the EFCC, is alleged to have diverted public funds through a network of accomplices and shell accounts. He was reportedly accompanied by his legal team but not by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who had previously appeared with him during earlier interactions with the EFCC.
The EFCC’s spokesperson confirmed the agency’s readiness to prosecute the case, citing substantial evidence to support the allegations.
Thediscovererng.com reports that the arraignment comes after months of legal maneuvers and delays, during which Bello avoided several court summonses.
As proceedings unfold, the case is expected to shed light on the misuse of public resources in Kogi State and serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
