EFCC grants bail to co-defendants in Yahaya Bello’s N110.4bn fraud case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, co-defendants in the high-profile corruption case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The ex-governor is accused of diverting state funds amounting to N110.4 billion in a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC, alleging criminal breach of trust and mismanagement of state finances.

During Thursday’s hearing at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, EFCC prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) informed Justice Maryann Anenih that Oricha and Hudu had been granted bail. However, Yahaya Bello was absent from the proceedings despite being summoned.

Justice Anenih ordered a hearing notice for Bello and set the next hearing date for November 27, 2024. The EFCC also requested an adjournment, emphasizing that the 30-day period granted for Bello to respond to the summons had not yet expired. “It will not be appropriate for us to proceed while that 30 days is still running,” explained EFCC Counsel Jamiu Agoro, adding that all parties agreed to reconvene on the new date.

The defense counsel for Oricha and Hudu, Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and Z.E. Abass, confirmed their clients’ bail status and supported the adjournment. Justice Anenih granted the request and adjourned the arraignment to November 27.

The case continues to draw national attention as the EFCC presses forward with its allegations against Bello and his co-defendants.