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

Shehu Sani Fires Northern Senators Over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills: “They Just Ramble”

Shehu Sani, a former Senator from Kaduna state, has sent a message to northern elites over President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills The former senator maintained that the president’s economic reform is an opportunity for the country to reset, reconfigure and restructure Sani stressed that emotional outbursts and uninformed opinions would not contribute a meaningful ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

“We’re Seeing Hell”: Kano Govt Sends Message to INEC, Accuses Tinubu’s Govt of ‘Killing’ Opposition

Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo accused the federal government of orchestrating efforts to weaken opposition parties Gwarzo urged the electoral commission to intervene, emphasizing its role as an impartial umpire to safeguard democratic processes Gwarzo stressed that a vibrant opposition is crucial for democracy, warning that undermining it could jeopardize Nigeria’s democratic stability The Deputy Governor of ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Senate: Drama as Senator Kingibe Walks Out of Akpabio Over Wike’s Matters

The Senate experienced another drama on Thursday, December 12, when the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, staged a walkout of the chamber during plenary Kingibe had attempted to present a motion to stop FCT Minister Nyesom Wike from demolishing an estate in Abuja, but Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the motion was not in ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

“Let Heaven Fall”: Drama As Wike Ignores Senate Order, Vows to Continue FCT Demolitions

Nyesom Wike, FCT minister has vowed to continue demolishing properties illegally built on government lands despite criticism and Senate order On Thursday, the Senate condemned the demolitions in Abuja and called for an immediate halt and the establishment of an investigative committee to examine the issue Reacting, Wike maintained his stance and cited key reasons ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Akpabio’s Aide Bows to Pressure, Apologizes for “Congratulating” Nigerian Governor on Wife’s Death

Uduak Udoh, an aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stirred a fresh controversy in the polity for the goof he made at the funeral of Patience Umo Eno, the first lady of Akwa Ibom state In a clip that has gone viral, Uduak, shockingly ‘’congratulated’ the state governor, Umo Eno, over the demise of his ... Read more Continue reading here ▶