Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello appeared at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday for a hearing on charges of alleged fraud involving N110 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Bello wanted in April 2024. After months of evasion, the former governor reported to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where he was questioned before being escorted to court the following morning.
The EFCC has struggled to bring Bello to court for arraignment since filing the charges earlier this year. The commission initially leveled 19 counts against him, accusing Bello and his relatives—Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu—of laundering over N80 billion.
“This case underscores our commitment to ensuring accountability, no matter the status of the individuals involved,” an EFCC official stated. “We are determined to see this process through to its conclusion.”
While details of the hearing remain under wraps, the case has attracted significant public interest due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the high-profile nature of the accused.
Efforts to contact Yahaya Bello’s legal team for comments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The EFCC continues to emphasize its resolve in pursuing justice in high-level corruption cases.
