Just In: Yahaya Bello Remanded in Kuje Prison As Fraud Trial Begins

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in Kuje prison following the dismissal of his bail application.

The court adjourned his trial to February 25, 2025.

Justice Maryann Anenih issued the remand order on Tuesday after rejecting the bail application filed by Bello’s counsel.

The former governor, who served Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is facing a 16-count charge related to his alleged involvement in a N110 billion fraud. The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accuse Bello, along with two Kogi state officials, Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The court ruled that Bello’s bail application, filed on November 22, was premature as it was submitted three days before he voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC. He has been in custody since November 25. The EFCC had strongly opposed his bail, citing his history of evading trial and failure to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In contrast, the second and third defendants, Oricha and Hudu, were granted bail in the sum of N300 million each, with two sureties required for each defendant. Their travel documents were also confiscated as part of the conditions.

The charges against Bello include allegations of misusing state funds to acquire multiple properties, both in Nigeria and internationally. These assets reportedly include luxurious real estate in Abuja and Dubai, as well as large sums of money transferred to the United States.

The case has drawn significant attention due to its scale and the involvement of high-ranking officials from Kogi State.