Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was on Wednesday docked after several weeks of what observers regard as ‘hide and seek’ game in his determined effort to evade prosecution.
Bello, however, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
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The former governor was arrested and detained by EFCC on Tuesday following a N110 billion suit against him.
The former governor, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, are being prosecuted as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in the N110bn 16-count charge.
His co-defendants were on Tuesday granted administrative bail.
The court session marked the former governor’s first appearance after weeks of uncertainty regarding his whereabouts.
On Tuesday, Bello finally surrendered to the EFCC following a prolonged period of evading the agency, described by sources as a “hide-and-seek” game.
He entered the dock dressed in a white caftan and blue cap at around 9:45 a.m. to face the charges outlined in case CR/7781.
The EFCC accuses Bello of misappropriating state funds to purchase several properties, including:
•No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (₦950 million),
•No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million),
•No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million),
•Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million),
•A hotel apartment at Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5,698,888 AED),
•Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million),
•No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million).
Additionally, the defendants are accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA, as well as possessing ₦677.8 million in funds allegedly obtained unlawfully from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Bello’s legal team has denied all charges, maintaining that he is innocent of the allegations.
