By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, has pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello was arraigned on Wednesday at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, to the tune of N110 billion.”
This was after the EFCC said its operatives arrested him on Tuesday.
The EFCC had instituted a 110bn alleged fraud suit against the former governor.
Adorning a white kaftan and a blue cap, the former Governor was accompanied by officials of the EFCC.
He was arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court.
The former governor, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu are being prosecuted as 1st to 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh N110bn 16-count charge instituted against them by the EFCC.
At the last hearing on November 14, the EFCC had sought adjournment to Wednesday, November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
The EFCC, however, admitted his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, to administrative bail and prayed to the court for an extension of time for the 1st Defendant to appear.
On Tuesday amidst reports that the former Governor honored an invitation to by the EFCC, the commission’s Spokesman, Dele Oyewale said he was arrested.
Also, a top operative of the commission said that the former Kogi Governor was picked up by operatives of the commission,
“A former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello was on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.
“He was brought in at 12:54pm
“Following his arrest, he is having a session with investigators of the Commission. He is also being detained at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.” The source said
