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After the former Governor of Kogi State has evaded Court summon severally, he however submitted himself on Tuesday to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
At a glance here are some properties, he allegedly acquired fraudulently that he is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency at a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, in Abuja.
Allegations of N110 billion fraud involving state funds.
The EFCC accused Bello of diverting funds to acquire several 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 (AED 5.6 million);
Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million); and
No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
Additionally, the defendants were accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and possessing funds unlawfully obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited totaling N677.8 million.
As the legal fireworks began on Wednesday, Yahaya Bello’s legal team has quickly filed a bail application, but was strongly opposed by the legal team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, citing Bello evasive tendencies.
Legal team of the EFCC led by Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that Bello has deliberately refused to appear before the Court to answer to corruption allegations against him consistently, stating that bailing him would affect the prosecution negatively.
Bello’s lead Counsel and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Joseph Daudu, SAN contended that his client should be bailed to enable him prepare for the case, saying that Bello was innocent until pleaded guilty.
The bail application which was filed on November 22, 2024 covered Yahaya Bello and his co-accused namely, , Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu who all pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Bello, alongside his co-defendants, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
According to Bello’s counsel, granting bail would enable the former governor to prepare an adequate defense. The defense also claimed Bello’s court appearance was in compliance with a summons issued against him and that he only received the charges late on November 26.
However, the EFCC contended that the bail application was premature since it was filed before the defendants’ formal arraignment.
“This court only assumed jurisdiction upon the arraignment of the defendants. Bail applications can only be heard after arraignment,” Pinheiro stated.
The EFCC urged the court to commence its case immediately, as some witnesses were already available. This motion was opposed by the defense counsel.
Presiding Justice Maryann Anenih is set to determine the next steps in the case as both parties prepare for trial.
Meanwhile, the trial Judge ruled that Bello be detained in the EFCC facility until December 10, when he will be brought to Court for consideration of his bail application.
