The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on charges of diverting N110 billion from the state government’s coffers.
Mr. Bello, who spent Tuesday night in EFCC custody, was brought to the FCT High Court in Abuja at approximately 8:50 a.m. on Wednesday. Arriving in the EFCC’s vehicle, the former governor was escorted into the courtroom under tight security, where he took a seat near the dock.
This marks Mr. Bello’s first court appearance since leaving office in January, ending an eight-year tenure marred by allegations of corruption.
The former governor has faced months of scrutiny after the EFCC declared him wanted in April over allegations of money laundering and mismanagement of public funds. Despite multiple court summons, Mr. Bello had avoided trial, prompting the EFCC to intensify efforts to bring him to justice.
On Tuesday, Mr. Bello voluntarily surrendered at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, ahead of his arraignment. The EFCC confirmed his detention, with spokesperson Dele Oyewale stating that the former governor was being “grilled by investigators.”
The charges against Mr. Bello include a money laundering case involving N80 billion, which is pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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Before his surrender, the EFCC made two unsuccessful attempts to apprehend Mr. Bello. One such effort occurred at his residence in Abuja, while another dramatic episode unfolded at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where he was allegedly shielded by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
In a controversial incident on September 18, Mr. Bello accompanied Governor Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, attempting to surrender. However, the anti-corruption agency refused to make an arrest and instead moved to apprehend him later that day at the government lodge.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court, who is presiding over the N110 billion fraud case, had earlier fixed November 27 for the former governor’s arraignment.
This high-profile trial has attracted nationwide attention, as Nigerians eagerly await justice in the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
