BREAKING: Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello arraigned over alleged N110bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama. Bello faces a 16-count charge related to an alleged N110 billion fraud.

After evading arrest for some time, Bello surrendered to the EFCC and arrived at the court under tight security, dressed in a white caftan and blue cap. He is being arraigned alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, before Justice Maryann Anenih.

The charges against them include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property. The EFCC alleges that Bello used stolen state funds to purchase several high-value properties, including:

No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (N950 million).

No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (N100 million).

No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million).

Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million).

A hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai, worth 5.6 million dirhams.

Additional properties in Wuse Zone 4, valued at N60 million and N310.4 million respectively.

The defendants are also accused of transferring substantial amounts to TD Bank, USA, and receiving N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited, all linked to misappropriated funds.

Bello and his co-accused are expected to enter their pleas as the trial begins.