In a major development, the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been publicly summoned by a High Court in Abuja, over allegations of a N110.4 billion fraud. This move is part of a broader investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the misuse of public funds during Bello’s tenure as governor.
On October 3, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, based in Maitama, issued a public summons against Yahaya Bello, following an application by the EFCC. According to court documents, Bello is required to attend court on October 24 for his arraignment, alongside two other defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
The EFCC claims that despite filing the charges on September 24, it has been unable to directly serve the legal papers to Bello. To address this, Justice Anenih ordered the EFCC to publish the summons in a widely-read newspaper and also paste copies at Bello’s last known residence and around prominent areas of the court premises. This will ensure that the public is informed of the court’s directive, and Bello is expected to be aware of his required appearance.
The charges against Bello and the two co-defendants are serious, as they involve allegations of criminal breach of trust and fraudulent handling of public funds amounting to N110.4 billion. The EFCC alleges that this significant sum was mismanaged during Bello’s time in office, and all three individuals are being held accountable for their roles in the financial misconduct.
Bello, who served as the governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, has faced multiple allegations of financial irregularities in the past, but this case represents one of the largest sums he has been accused of mismanaging. The exact details of how the money was allegedly misused are expected to come to light during the court proceedings.
Yahaya Bello, along with his co-defendants, will have the opportunity to respond to the 16-count charge during their arraignment. The charges include criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, and misappropriation of public funds. Should they be found guilty, the penalties could be severe, reflecting the Nigerian government’s increasing commitment to fighting corruption.
The scheduled arraignment on October 24 will mark the start of what could be a long and highly scrutinized legal battle. The case has garnered significant public interest due to the large sum involved and the high profile of those accused.
The EFCC has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly targeting high-profile public figures accused of abusing their office for personal gain. Over the years, the commission has pursued numerous cases involving governors, ministers, and other top officials.
This particular case against Yahaya Bello and his co-defendants underscores the EFCC’s focus on financial crimes and the misuse of state resources. Many Nigerians see this as a step in the right direction for holding public officials accountable and promoting transparency in governance.
As Yahaya Bello prepares for his arraignment, the public is eager to see how the case unfolds. The allegations of N110.4 billion in fraud are significant, and the court proceedings will likely have a major impact on his political career and the reputation of Kogi State’s governance. Along with his co-defendants, Bello faces a serious legal challenge that could lead to significant consequences if found guilty.
All eyes will be on the High Court in Abuja on October 24, as the legal process begins to determine the truth behind these serious allegations.
