Court Summons Yahaya Bello Over Alleged Breach of Trust, Unlawful Property Possession

Despite these legal challenges, Yahaya Bello made a recent visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo.

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been summoned to appear before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja over allegations of criminal breach of trust and possession of unlawfully acquired property.

The summons, issued by Justice Maryann E. Anenih, accuses Bello of committing these offences between 2016 and 2023. According to the court document dated October 3, 2024, the charges are based on Section 311 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, which addresses criminal breach of trust and is punishable under Section 312.

The former governor is also facing charges under Section 319A for allegedly possessing property suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

Part of the court summons reads: “A complaint has been made on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, sometimes within the year 2016 up until 2023… did commit offences to wit: criminal breach of trust… and having possession or control of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.”

Bello is required to appear before High Court No. 3, Maitama, on November 14, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier declared him wanted, citing his involvement in various fraudulent activities.

In a recent development, the EFCC filed fresh charges against Bello, accusing him of a N110 billion fraud. The new charges follow an earlier case involving 19 counts of money laundering, totaling N80.2 billion, filed against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. The latest set of 16 charges, filed on September 25, 2024, brings the alleged money laundering offences to N110.4 billion.

Despite these legal challenges, Bello made a recent visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo. Although no formal interrogation took place, the EFCC described his visit as part of a strategic plan, with EFCC Director of Public Affairs Wilson Uwujaren labeling it a stunt.

Attempts to arrest Bello have also been unsuccessful. In September, the EFCC’s efforts to detain the former governor proved futile.