Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The trial, which commenced at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, was marked by commotion as a crowd of Bello’s supporters disrupted proceedings.
The session turned chaotic when Bello’s supporters stormed the courtroom, prompting the former governor to intervene and ask them to leave to restore order. Justice Maryann Anenih later proceeded to take the pleas of Bello and his two co-defendants.
The federal government’s legal team is led by Kemi Pinheiro SAN, while Joseph Bodunde Dauda SAN represents Bello.
Bello, who served as Kogi governor from 2016 to 2023, is facing allegations of financial misconduct, including embezzlement and abuse of office. The EFCC accuses him of mismanaging state funds during his tenure.
Earlier this month, the EFCC filed fresh charges against Bello, increasing the alleged amount involved to N110 billion. Initially, the anti-graft agency had filed 19 charges linked to money laundering totaling N80.2 billion, implicating Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, and others.
The fresh charges filed in September further implicate Bello and his associates in fraud involving N110.4 billion.
The court recently dismissed oral bail applications for two of Bello’s co-defendants, Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, further intensifying the legal battle.
The EFCC continues to build its case against the former governor, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations. Bello, however, maintains his innocence, vowing to contest the charges in court.
As the trial progresses, heavy security remains in place around the court premises. The proceedings are seen as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.
