Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is set to appear in court today after being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of mismanaging ₦110 billion in public funds.
Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC in April 2024 for alleged fraud but successfully evaded arrest multiple times, reportedly with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. Despite numerous attempts by the EFCC to bring him to justice, Bello resisted appearing in court for trial.
The EFCC initially filed 19 charges of money laundering involving ₦80 billion against Bello and three co-defendants, including his nephews Ali Bello and Dauda Suliman, as well as Abdulsalam Hudu. In September, the charges were amended to 16, with the total sum allegedly laundered rising to ₦110 billion. Investigators claim the funds were used to purchase 12 properties across Abuja.
In April, EFCC operatives raided Bello’s Abuja residence but were reportedly thwarted by Governor Ododo, who allegedly facilitated Bello’s escape. A similar incident occurred in September when Bello, accompanied by Ododo, visited the EFCC headquarters but managed to avoid arrest.
The EFCC issued a public summons in October, requiring Bello to appear in court to face charges. However, he failed to comply, prompting the court to extend the summons to November 14 and later to November 27.
Bello’s attempts to block his arraignment through legal applications were unsuccessful. Both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal rejected his pleas to transfer his trial to Kogi State or halt proceedings. The courts ordered him to surrender himself for trial.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that on Tuesday, EFCC officials apprehended Bello at their Abuja headquarters. Sources within the EFCC confirmed that he was interrogated for hours and is currently being held in custody.
An EFCC official stated, “He was arrested by our CSO. He was taken in around 12:59 pm. He later brought three of his lawyers.”
The source added, “He is being held at our detention facility after he was interrogated over the allegations against him for hours. The interrogation will still continue.”
The EFCC has confirmed that Bello will appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court today.
According to an EFCC source, “Definitely he will be at the FCT High Court tomorrow (today). Having evaded proceedings since the commencement of his trial, his arrest has presented us an opportunity to finally arraign him. I can assure you that he will have his day in court on Wednesday (today).”