A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has ordered the remand of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, in Kuje Prison pending his trial on charges of fraud amounting to ₦110 billion. The court issued the remand order on Tuesday, after adjourning the trial to February 25, 2025.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing 16 counts of fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges, which include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property, also involve two former Kogi State officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are co-defendants in the case.
The court also dismissed an application for bail filed by Bello’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, ruled that the bail application was filed prematurely. The application, submitted on November 22, 2024, came three days before Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC on November 25. Justice Anenih stated that a bail application should be made only after a defendant is in custody, describing the early submission as undermining the validity of the application.
As a result, the bail request for the ex-governor was denied. However, the court granted bail to the second and third defendants, Oricha and Hudu, each in the sum of ₦300 million, with two sureties of similar financial standing. Additionally, the court ordered that their travel documents be seized as part of the bail conditions.
The EFCC, represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed granting bail to Bello, arguing that the former governor had a history of evading trial. The EFCC pointed out that several attempts to ensure Bello’s appearance in court for a separate charge pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja had failed, further accusing him of trying to manipulate the legal process by filing the bail application prematurely. The EFCC’s case against Bello and his co-defendants includes accusations that they conspired to misappropriate Kogi State funds, using the money to acquire several expensive properties.
Among the properties allegedly purchased with funds stolen from the Kogi State treasury are:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (₦950 million)
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million)
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million)
- Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million)
- A hotel apartment in the Burj Khalifa, Dubai (₦5,698,888 AED)
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million)
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million)
The EFCC also accused the defendants of transferring large sums of money abroad, including $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited, a company allegedly tied to the illicit activities.
Bello’s legal team has maintained his innocence, asserting that he is entitled to bail and is being unfairly targeted. Joseph Daudu, leading the defense, argued that his client’s constitutional right to bail should not be denied, especially given that Bello voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC. He also dismissed the EFCC’s claim that Bello had evaded trial, stressing that the ex-governor’s actions were consistent with his willingness to cooperate with authorities.
This high-profile case has sparked significant public attention, with many Nigerians voicing mixed opinions. While some applaud the EFCC’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for corruption, others express concerns over the prolonged nature of trials involving prominent figures. The case underscores the ongoing struggle within Nigeria’s legal system to combat corruption and ensure that those in positions of power are held accountable for their actions.
