The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the remand of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryanne Anenih issued the order on Wednesday following Bello’s arraignment on a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering.
The court also adjourned proceedings to December 10, 2024, to deliver a ruling on his bail application.
Bello, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing prosecution as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, respectively, in a fresh case filed by the EFCC. The charge sheet, marked CR/7781, outlines allegations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.
The EFCC accused Bello of misusing public funds to acquire multiple properties, including: No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, 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, valued at Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Eight Dirhams
Additional properties allegedly acquired with misappropriated funds include Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million).
The defendants are also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and unlawfully possessing N677.8 million linked to Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Further details are expected as the case progresses.
