The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count money laundering charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello pleaded not guilty before Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had earlier applied to arraign Bello in his absence before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Bello and others were accused of conspiring in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88, allegedly obtained through a criminal breach of trust, violating Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.
Naijaonpoint reports that today’s case followed over four proceedings in which the ex-governor was absent due to pending legal disputes raised by his legal team in higher courts.
“With respect, my client did not disrespect the court. Things are clearer now” Daudu said.
The EFCC did not oppose the request for bail, saying it is at the court’s discretion.
Naijaonpoint reports that the EFCC and other security agencies have declared Bello wanted, citing their inability to track his whereabouts or arrest him.
This matter is separate from the N100 billion criminal case Bello and others are facing before the FCT High Court.