The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Friday, denied all 18 charges of financial misconduct brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges, which include money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds, involve a staggering sum of N80.2 billion.
Appearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Bello pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Joseph Daudu, swiftly responded, asserting his client’s innocence.
“I am not guilty of any of the counts brought against me,” Bello said in his defense, following the reading of the charges.
The case, which has attracted widespread attention, continues to stir political and legal debates, as the former governor is accused of diverting public resources during his time in office.
At the start of the proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed Justice Emeka Nwite that the prosecution had decided to withdraw its earlier application to abridge the date for the arraignment. This decision was made in light of recent developments, Pinheiro explained, with Daudu offering no objections to the move.
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Justice Nwite granted the request, and the trial is expected to continue in due course.
The EFCC’s allegations against Bello are part of its ongoing efforts to combat corruption at high levels of government, with the commission emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding public resources for future generations.
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