Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Detained by EFCC Over N110bn Fraud

• Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is detained by the EFCC over an alleged N110 billion fraud, following multiple failed attempts to bring him to trial.
• The EFCC has filed 16 charges against Bello, including money laundering and criminal breach of trust, with allegations involving over N110 billion and the purchase of 12 houses in Abuja
• Despite efforts by his successor, Usman Ododo, to prevent his arrest, Bello is now facing a public summons to appear before the court

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently being detained at the holding facilities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, TheTalk.NG learnt.

Bello, who was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in April over an alleged N110 billion fraud, was finally apprehended after multiple failed attempts to bring him to trial.

Bello detained by EFCC over N110bn fraud. Photo credit: X/YahayaBelloSource: Facebook

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The EFCC initially filed 19 charges against Bello and his nephews, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for money laundering offences amounting to over N80 billion.

However, the charges were later reduced to 16 on September 25, with the total sum allegedly laundered rising to over N110 billion.

The defendants are accused of purchasing 12 houses in various locations in Abuja with the laundered money.

These offences are contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and punishable under Section 312 of the same law.

Attempts to Evade Arrest

Bello had filed an application before Justice Emeka Nwite to stop his arraignment, which was rejected on July 17. Displeased with the ruling, Bello approached the Court of Appeal but was overruled.

A three-member panel led by Hamma Barka dismissed the appeals and ordered Bello to surrender himself for trial.

Efforts by the EFCC to arrest Bello were allegedly thwarted by his successor, Usman Ododo, who reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape during a raid on his residence in Abuja.

Verydarkman Challenges EFCC Over Ex-gov’s Arrest

Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG earlier reported that Nigerian social media critic Martins Vincent Otse aka Verydarkman has reacted to the reports of Yahaya Bello’s arrest.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained Kogi State’s immediate former governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on November 11.

Source: TheTalk.NG

How PDP Hired Thugs to Disrupt LG Election in Ogun State, Oladunjoye, APC Spokesperson Speaks

Tunde Oladunjoye accused the PDP of using thugs and police escorts to disrupt the Ogun LG elections, citing incidents of violence He criticized the PDP for praising electoral processes only when they win, calling it “politics of desperation” Oladunjoye attributed the PDP’s defeat to internal conflicts, stating their fragmented state made victory unrealistic The spokesperson ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

BREAKING: Tinubu to Release Nnamdi Kanu? Bianca Ojukwu Opens Up

President Bola Tinubu’s minister of foreign affairs for state, Bianca Ojukwu, has expressed confidence that the government would soon release Nnamdi Kanu Ojukwu maintained that President Tinubu understood the importance of releasing Kanu in identifying the real freedom fighters and those causing violence in the southeast The minister made the comment at the 13th memorial ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Senator Abaribe Denies National Assembly Approval for New Presidential Jet

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has revealed that the National Assembly was not approached for approval before the purchase of a new presidential jet The new Airbus A330, unveiled in August, faced backlash from Nigerians, with Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarifying it was a “refurbished jet” Abaribe expressed concern over the public’s perception of the National Assembly ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

BREAKING: Tinubu Gets Special Invitation from France, Details Emerge

President Bola Tinubu is set to begin a three-day working visit to France, based on President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation According to the presidency, Tinubu’s visit to France will centre on strengthening political, economic and cultural relations between Nigeria and France The president is expected to visit the European country along with his wife, Oluremi President ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

BREAKING: Heavy Protest Hits Osun, Reason, Details Emerge

TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. Residents of Ido Osun, located in the Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, staged a protest on Tuesday in response to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to relocate the M.K.O Abiola Airport project to his hometown, Ede. The protest was ... Read more Continue reading here ▶