Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently being held at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) facility in Abuja, following his arrest in connection with an alleged N110 billion fraud.
Bello, declared wanted by the EFCC in April after evading several attempts to bring him to trial, was apprehended and interrogated by investigators for hours. This marks a significant development in the ongoing case that has faced numerous delays.
Initially, the EFCC filed 19 charges against Bello and his associates, including his nephews Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for laundering over N80 billion. However, the charges were revised to 16 in September, with the amount allegedly laundered increasing to N110 billion.
The defendants are accused of using the funds to purchase 12 properties in various locations across Abuja, contravening Section 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap 89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under Section 312 of the same law.
Efforts to apprehend Bello faced challenges, including his alleged evasion of arrest in April and September, reportedly with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. On one occasion, a standoff at Bello’s Abuja residence ended with security operatives reinforcing their position but failing to detain him.
Despite filing applications to delay or dismiss his arraignment, Bello’s appeals have been dismissed by the courts. On November 14, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court extended a public summons for Bello’s appearance, warning that he would be arraigned in absentia if he failed to appear by November 27.
Bello’s arrest on Tuesday signals progress in the EFCC’s efforts to bring him to justice, with the anti-graft agency preparing to move forward with the trial.
