FG Files Fresh 16-Count Charge Against Yahaya Bello Over N110.4bn Fraud

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has filed a fresh 16-count charge against the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over allegations of criminal breach of trust involving N110,446,470,089.

The new charge was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, highlighting alleged violations of sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, which are punishable under Section 312 of the same law.

This legal move follows the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) intensified pursuit of the former governor, who is also facing a separate 19-count charge of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion. Bello, who is the sole defendant in the earlier charge, is set to face the fresh allegations alongside two Kogi State government officials — Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha.

Details of the Alleged Offences

The charge sheet obtained by TheCable outlines multiple instances where Bello and the other defendants allegedly used state funds to acquire several properties in high-end areas of Abuja and Dubai.

Count one accuses the trio of conspiring in 2016 to commit a criminal breach of trust with N110,446,470,089 entrusted to them. In subsequent counts, they are alleged to have used various sums between N60 million and N950 million from 2016 to 2023 to acquire properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Gwarimpa, and Wuse districts of Abuja, as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Among the acquisitions listed are:

• N950 million for a property on Danube Street, Maitama, in 2023 (Count 2).
• N100 million for a property in Gwarimpa I District in 2021 (Count 3).
• N920 million for a property on Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, in 2020 (Count 4).
• 5,698,888 Dirhams in 2022 for a property at Sky View Building No. 401, Burj Khalifa, Dubai (Count 11).
• The defendants are also accused of using $570,330 and $556,265 in separate transactions in 2021 to send funds to a TD Bank account in the United States (Counts 14 and 15).

Yahaya Bello Sues EFCC, Seeks Supreme Court Intervention

In response to the charges, Bello has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the EFCC’s declaration of him as wanted. His legal team, led by A. M. Adoyi, has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court, seeking to set aside the arrest warrant issued against him on April 17.

Adoyi urged the trial court to await the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal, referencing the filed affidavit on September 23. “The appeal number is SC/CR/847/2024 and SC/CR/848/2024. We believe that the most appropriate thing to do is to await the decision of the Supreme Court,” Adoyi argued, adding that proceeding with the arraignment could nullify the appeal’s outcome.

EFCC’s Response and Adjournment

Counsel for the EFCC, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, criticized Bello’s legal team for allegedly attempting to undermine the judiciary’s integrity. He called for the defense counsel to be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for sanctions, accusing him of engaging in tactics aimed at stalling the judicial process.

Pinheiro further accused the former governor of disrespecting the court’s earlier ruling, stating that Bello had previously defied an order to present himself for trial. The EFCC’s lawyer highlighted an incident where Bello reportedly showed up at the EFCC’s premises accompanied by a high-profile figure, creating a security concern.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case until October 30 for a ruling on the matter.

Background and Implications

Yahaya Bello served as the governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2023. His administration faced multiple allegations of financial misconduct, which he has consistently denied. This fresh charge adds to the ongoing legal battles he faces, raising concerns about governance and financial management during his tenure.

The EFCC, in a statement, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all accused persons face prosecution and accountability, regardless of their political status. The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the former governor and his political future.

Next Steps

The court’s ruling on October 30 will determine whether Bello and his co-defendants will proceed to trial or if the case will be further delayed pending the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal.