Yahaya Bello To Remain In EFCC Custody

• As Trial Resumes December 10

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until December 10, following his arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday (today).

Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case for further proceedings and the hearing of his bail application.

Yahaya Bello, who served as Kogi State Governor from 2016 to 2023, pleaded not guilty to 16 counts of money laundering and related offenses.

The charges include allegations of mismanagement of state funds, embezzlement, and abuse of office.

Osun Defender earlier reported that proceedings were disrupted when a large crowd of Bello’s supporters stormed the courtroom.

Bello reportedly intervened, asking his followers to leave to restore order which allowed the session to continue without further disruptions.

The EFCC first accused Bello of financial misconduct involving N80.2 billion, and fresh charges filed in September 2024 increased the alleged fraudulent transactions to N110.4 billion.

READ: Drama As Yahaya Bello’s Supporters Storm Courtroom

Bello’s co-defendants in the case include his nephew, Ali Bello, as well as Dauda Suliman and Abdulsalam Hudu, who have also been implicated in money laundering offenses.

During Wednesday’s hearing, the EFCC opposed the bail applications of Bello and his co-defendants.

The federal government’s legal team, led by Kemi Pinheiro SAN, argued for continued custody, citing concerns that their release could obstruct investigations.

The defense team, led by Joseph Bodunde Dauda SAN, countered that the allegations were baseless and expressed confidence in Bello’s acquittal.

Justice Maryann Anenih scheduled the continuation of the case for December 10.

Until then, Bello will remain in EFCC custody.