Alleged N110bn Fraud: Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Pleads Not Guilty To EFCC Charges

TheTalk.NG journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events

FCT, Abuja – Former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge of alleged N110.4bn fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the charges against Bello at the FCT high court in Abuja.

Bello was escorted to court by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives.
Photo credit: @tvcnewsngSource: Twitter

Bello said he was not guilty of the charges when he was arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court on Wednesday, November 27, Channels Television reports.

According to TVC News, EFCC operatives escorted Bello to court amid tight security around the FCT High Court.

The former governor was arraigned alongside two others before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT high court in Maitama.

The anti-graft agency finally produced the former governor over alleged N110.4bn fraud on Wednesday, November 27.

Why Police can’t help EFCC to arrest Bello

Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG reported that Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said security agencies are struggling to arrest Bello due to the complexities of the case.

Bello is wanted by the EFCC for alleged financial crimes totalling N80.2 billion, but his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, has allegedly thwarted multiple arrest attempts by hiding him in his lodge.

Onanuga explains that Bello is effectively shielded from arrest because Ododo enjoys immunity, making it impossible for police to enter the governor’s residence to apprehend him.

Source: TheTalk.NG

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