The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is facing trial is to be remanded in Kuje prison based on the orders of a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama on Tuesday.
Justice Maryann Anenih issued the remand order to Bello pending his trial on allegations of N110 billion fraud.
The trial has been adjourned to February 25th, 2025.
The former governor who ruled from 2016 to 2024 is facing a 16-count charge alongside two former state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Remember that Fairview had reported that the court had dismissed a bail application filed by Bello’s legal team on the basis of prematurity, as the bail application was filed before he surrendered himself.
However, the court admitted the second and third defendants to bail in the sum of ₦300 million each, with two sureties in like sum. The court also seized their travel documents as part of the bail conditions.
The EFCC accused Bello and his co-defendants of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
The high-profile case has drawn widespread attention, with many Nigerians expressing mixed reactions. While some lauded the EFCC’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, others questioned the protracted nature of high-profile corruption trials.
The case, marked CR/7781, underscores Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption and the judicial system’s role in ensuring accountability among public officials.
EFCC also alleges that the former governor misused state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).
