Yahaya Bello faces trial over alleged N110.4bn fraud

Stanley Ihedigbo

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

According to the Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, he was arraigned alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4billion.

Count eleven of the charge reads: “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha, And Abdulsalami Hudu sometime 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the state’s treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of 5, 698,888 Dirhams for the acquisition of a property located at Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, lying, being and situate at Plot 160, Municipality NO 345-7562, Sky View Building No.401, Floor4, Dubai United Arab Emirates (U.A.E)”.

Count sixteen reads: “That Yahaya Adoza Bello, sometime between 2017 and 2018, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had under your control the total sum of N677, 848,000, unlawfully obtained from Bespoke Business Solution Limited”.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their pleas, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro SAN informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to commence trial. However, counsel for the first and second defendants, Joseph Daudu SAN, moved an application for bail for his clients.

Pinheiro opposed the application, arguing that it predated the arraignment of the defendants and was, therefore,e, premature, have, ty, and procedurally flawed.

Daudu had clarified that the bail application before the court was dated November 22, 2024, and urged the court to admit Bello to bail.

“My Lord, the application is supported by a written address and exhibits, including Exhibit A, which demonstrates that the first defendant responded to the court’s public summons. His appearance today signifies his commitment to stand trial.” He cited Sections 378(2) and 371 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in support of the bail application.

In response, Pinheiro reminded the court that “ the bail applications only become relevant after arraignment when the court assumes full jurisdiction over the defendant. The application before your Lordship was filed on November 22, before the defendant submitted himself to the court’s jurisdiction this morning. This renders the application hasty and incompetent.” The EFCC’s counsel also highlighted Bello’s alleged history of disregarding court summons and judicial processes.

“The records before this court demonstrate bad conduct. The first defendant has treated previous court orders with disdain, including failing to appear before the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. This conduct punctures his claim of good behaviour and commitment to justice.”

Pinheiro further emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stressing that, “this case involves over N130 billion in public funds, alleged to have been used to acquire properties across Abuja and other locations. Given the defendant’s political influence, granting bail poses a significant risk to the integrity of the trial.”

Counsel to the third defendant also moved for bail, arguing that the application was competent and should be granted. However, Pinheiro opposed it, pointing out that the third defendant, who served as a cashier during the alleged fraud and is now a permanent secretary, remains in a position to influence witnesses or repeat the offense

“My Lord, witnesses in this case are civil servants and subordinates of the third defendant. His continued liberty poses a significant risk to the trial process,” he said. Similawho rly, Pinheiro opposed bail for the second defendant, who is still in government service, stating:

“My Lord, the second defendant is still the Director General at the Government House, the same office implicated in this case. His position creates a likelihood of further interference in the investigation and trial.”

Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the hearing of the bail applications to December 10, 2024.