The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to two individuals charged alongside former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in a fraud case.
The case involves a 16-count indictment related to the alleged misappropriation of โฆ110.4 billion in state funds. The court session was held at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, where the EFCC revealed that it had difficulties in serving Bello with the charges.
During the hearing, Bello and his legal team were absent, while the EFCCโs lawyer, Jamiu Agoro, confirmed that Belloโs co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, had been granted bail in preparation for their upcoming arraignment.
Agoro informed the court that a public summons had been issued to Bello, which remains valid until November 17. He suggested waiting until the summons period expired before proceeding with the case.
Agoro requested an adjournment, giving Bello more time to respond to the summons. He also applied for an extension of time if Bello fails to appear in court by the deadline. Additionally, the EFCC asked for a notice to be posted at Belloโs last known address at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
If Bello does not appear after the 30-day period, the EFCC plans to take further action. Meanwhile, Belloโs co-defendantsโ lawyer, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, confirmed that Oricha and Hudu had been released on administrative bail and expressed gratitude for the EFCCโs cooperation. Saiki did not oppose the adjournment.
Justice Maryann Anenih, who is overseeing the case, adjourned the proceedings until November 27. She instructed that a notice be posted at Belloโs address and in a prominent location at the court complex.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants involve allegations of stealing โฆ110.4 billion in public funds. The EFCC claims that Bello used the funds to acquire multiple properties, including a mansion in Maitama, Abuja, and a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Other assets include several buildings in Abuja and illegal transfers of funds to overseas accounts. The EFCC also claims that Bello and his associates unlawfully held โฆ677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
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