Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s N110bn Fraud Trial To July 8.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed the fraud trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to July 8, 2025. The case, involving allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110 billion, also names two co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. Justice Maryanne Anenih announced the adjournment on Wednesday, scheduling further hearings for October 8, 9, and November 12, 13, 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Bello and his co-defendants misappropriated Kogi State funds to purchase properties in prime areas of Abuja and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 16-count charge cites violations of Sections 96 and 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, with penalties under Section 312. During Wednesday’s session, EFCC’s first witness, Fabian Nwora, chairman of EFAB Property Nigeria Limited, completed his testimony. Nwora disclosed that a property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, was sold for N550 million to an individual named Shehu Bello, though the agreement listed Dr Bello Ohiani. He added that Bello later attempted to cancel the transaction due to the EFCC’s probe, requesting a refund, which EFAB paid in two instalments: N400 million and N150 million.
The court also heard from the EFCC’s second witness, Segun Adeleke, who confirmed that none of the defendants’ names appeared on transaction documents for the properties. The defence, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), objected to the admissibility of documents tied to a separate transaction in Gwarinpa, but Justice Anenih overruled the objection.
Bello, who has pleaded not guilty, faced public criticism for allegedly dodging court appearances, leading to a public summons in October 2024. He was arraigned on November 27, 2024, after a rejected bail application deemed premature. On December 19, 2024, Bello secured bail of N500 million, with conditions including two sureties and the surrender of his passport.
The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), has underscored the case’s importance, noting the alleged misuse of over N110 billion in public funds. The trial’s outcome is anticipated to set a precedent for accountability in Nigerian governance. Public interest remains high as the EFCC seeks to prove its case against the former governor and his associates.
