EFCC Opposes Bail Request for Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello in N110 Billion Fraud Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama to deny bail to the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The anti-graft agency argued that granting bail could hinder the progress of an ongoing corruption trial involving the ex-governor.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, the EFCC raised concerns about Bello’s prior actions, including his alleged reluctance to appear for trial in a separate corruption case at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This history, the agency contended, undermines confidence in his willingness to cooperate with the legal process.
Legal Teams Debate Bail Conditions
In a formal response to Bello’s bail application, submitted by his lead counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, the EFCC highlighted procedural objections. The agency argued that the bail application was premature since it was filed before the defendants’ arraignment. “This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants. Bail applications can only be heard after arraignment,” Pinheiro noted.
Bello, alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge. The allegations include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property.
On the other hand, Daudu insisted that the former governor is entitled to bail under the presumption of innocence principle. He further argued that bail would enable Bello to adequately prepare his defense. The defense maintained that Bello’s court appearance followed a summons and pointed out that he received the formal charges just days before the arraignment on November 26.
Massive Fraud Allegations
The charges center on allegations of embezzling over N110 billion in state funds during Bello’s tenure as governor. According to the EFCC, these funds were diverted to acquire numerous properties, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, valued at N950 million
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja, valued at N100 million
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja, valued at N920 million
- Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, valued at N170 million
- A hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai, purchased for AED 5.6 million
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, valued at N60 million
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, valued at N310.4 million
In addition to these properties, the EFCC alleged that Bello orchestrated suspicious transfers of $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the United States. The funds were reportedly linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited, with transactions amounting to N677.8 million.
Trial Proceedings Underway
The EFCC has urged the court to expedite proceedings, stating that witnesses are ready to testify. However, the defense opposed this motion, citing the need for adequate preparation.
Justice Maryann Anenih, presiding over the case, is expected to rule on the bail application and chart the course for the trial.
This high-profile case highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to address corruption involving public officials, with billions of naira allegedly diverted from state resources.
