EFCC Files Fresh ₦110 Billion Fraud Charges Against Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its legal pursuit of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, by filing fresh fraud charges totaling ₦110.4 billion. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing corruption case against the ex-governor.

New Charges Unveiled

The EFCC presented 16 new fraud charges before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. These charges allege that Bello, along with two co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, conspired to commit a criminal breach of trust involving the misappropriation of public funds.

The charges were filed by the Federal Government, represented by EFCC counsels Kemi Pinheiro and Rotimi Oyedepo, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, alongside seven other lawyers. The alleged fraud is said to have occurred in 2016 while Bello was still in office as the governor of Kogi State.

Detailed Allegations

The fresh charges paint a picture of extensive financial misconduct:

• The trio allegedly misappropriated over ₦110 billion in public funds.
• Bello is accused of using ₦950 million to acquire a property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja in 2023.
• In 2021, ₦100 million was allegedly used to purchase a property at No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja.
• A sum of ₦920 million was reportedly used to acquire a property at No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
• Other properties allegedly acquired include:
  • Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million in 2022)
  • No. 1773 Guzape District, Abuja (₦100 million in 2018)
  • No. 2934A Cadastral Zone A06, also known as No. 1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja (₦550 million in 2020)

The EFCC also alleges that the defendants sent substantial sums to a foreign bank account:

• $570,330 sent to account No. 4266644272 at TD Bank, United States of America in 2021
• An additional $556,265 sent to the same account in 2021

Escalating Legal Troubles

These new charges come on top of existing legal challenges faced by Bello. The EFCC had previously filed 19 charges against him and three others for money laundering offences amounting to ₦80.2 billion. Bello’s absence at an earlier Federal High Court session in Abuja, where he was being tried for another set of corruption charges, has further complicated his legal situation.

EFCC’s Stance on Recent Events

Wilson Uwujaren, the Director of Public Affairs for the EFCC, has accused Bello of insincerity and evasion. Uwujaren described Bello’s appearance at the EFCC car park on September 18 as a publicity stunt aimed at deceiving the public. He stated that Bello had circulated media reports claiming he had submitted himself to the anti-graft agency and had been detained, even before arriving at the EFCC premises.

The EFCC spokesperson also implicated Kogi’s current governor, Usman Ododo, in aiding Bello’s attempts to evade justice. Uwujaren alleged that Ododo had facilitated Bello’s escape during the EFCC’s initial attempt to arrest him at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja.

Denial of Deal-Making

Uwujaren firmly denied reports suggesting that the EFCC was attempting to make a deal with Yahaya Bello. He emphasized that the commission does not engage in deal-making when it comes to either investigation or prosecution of any individual, regardless of their profile.

Ongoing Investigations

The EFCC has also addressed recent claims by social media influencer “Verydarkman,” alleging corruption within the EFCC. Uwujaren stated that the commission has taken these accusations seriously and has launched an internal investigation to establish any truth behind them.

Looking Ahead

As the legal proceedings against Yahaya Bello continue to unfold, the case remains a significant focus of public interest. The outcome of these fresh charges, along with the ongoing investigations, will likely have far-reaching implications for political accountability and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.

The EFCC’s pursuit of this case underscores the agency’s commitment to combating high-profile corruption. As more details emerge, the public will be watching closely to see how justice is served in this high-stakes legal battle.