- Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, pleaded not guilty to charges of money laundering, misappropriation, and breach of trust involving N80.2bn
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initially levied an 18-count charge against Bello
- Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, withdraws the motion for an abridged arraignment date, with Justice Emeka Nwite allowing the case to move forward as planned
The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, appeared in court on Friday, December 13, and pleaded not guilty to an 18-count charge levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges, which relate to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds, involve a staggering sum of approximately N80.2 billion.
Upon the reading of the charges, Bello emphatically denied all accusations, stating he was not guilty of any of the counts.
During the proceedings, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, informed Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja that the prosecution wished to withdraw a previous application that sought an abridged date for the arraignment.
Pinheiro noted that the application had become irrelevant due to subsequent developments.
The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not oppose the motion, and Justice Nwite granted the request, allowing the case to proceed as planned.
Judge exits courtroom in anger over disruptions amid Yahaya Bello’s trial
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Judge Maryanne Anenih walked out due to disruptions caused by supporters of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
Arguments intensified over the validity of bail for Yahaya Bello and his co-defendants, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposing the motion.
