By Milcah Tanimu
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello will appear in court today, following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of mismanaging ₦110 billion in public funds. This comes after several failed attempts by the EFCC to apprehend him since he was declared wanted in April 2024.
Bello, along with his nephews Ali Bello and Dauda Suliman, faces charges of money laundering. Investigations claim that the funds were funneled into the purchase of 12 properties across Abuja. Initially, the EFCC charged him with laundering ₦80 billion, but the amount was later increased to ₦110 billion, with 16 charges filed against him.
Despite his efforts to avoid arrest, including alleged assistance from Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, the EFCC successfully detained Bello at their Abuja headquarters on Tuesday. The former governor is currently in custody after being interrogated for several hours.
Bello will be arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory High Court today, after repeatedly evading the legal process. Both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had previously rejected his requests to transfer his trial or halt proceedings.
The EFCC has confirmed that Bello’s long-anticipated trial will proceed, ensuring that he faces justice for the alleged fraud.
