Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been summoned by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to answer allegations of criminal breach of trust and unlawful possession of property. The offenses are said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023.
The court order, issued by Justice Maryann E. Anenih, follows a complaint made on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shared the news on social media, revealing that Bello has been charged under Section 311 of the Penal Code Law for criminal breach of trust and Section 319A for allegedly possessing property suspected to have been illegally obtained.
Bello is scheduled to appear in court on November 14, 2024, at 9 a.m. at High Court No. 3 in Maitama, Abuja.
The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted and charged him with involvement in a ₦110 billion fraud. Initially, 19 charges were filed against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, and others for money laundering amounting to over ₦80 billion. However, the recent charges have increased the total figure to approximately ₦110 billion.
The summons stated:
“A complaint has been made on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, sometimes within the year 2016 up until 2023… did commit offences to wit: criminal breach of trust… and having possession or control of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.”
Bello’s upcoming court appearance is expected to address these serious accusations, with the EFCC intensifying its efforts to bring the former governor to justice.
