The federal government has filed 16 new charges against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, alleging N110 billion in criminal breach of trust. Alongside two officials, Bello is accused of misappropriating state funds to purchase luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai. The EFCC continues to investigate his financial activities.
The federal government has filed a new 16-count charge against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, alleging a criminal breach of trust involving over N110 billion. This fresh charge was submitted to a federal high court in Abuja on September 25, 2024, and comes alongside existing accusations brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello is accused of collaborating with Kogi State officials Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha to misappropriate state funds for personal gain, including acquiring luxurious properties in Abuja and Dubai. The charges detail several instances of property purchases, including a property in Maitama for N950 million and various other properties totaling hundreds of millions of Naira.
These legal actions follow Bello's previous trouble with the EFCC, which has been pursuing him for alleged money laundering and misappropriation involving N80.2 billion. Despite repeated attempts to arrest him, he has managed to evade authorities, reportedly seeking refuge in government facilities. The EFCC declared him wanted in April 2024, stating he had withdrawn significant amounts from state funds for personal expenses, including school fees.
Bello's legal team has insisted he is not hiding from justice, but the ongoing investigations and charges raise serious questions about his financial dealings during his tenure as governor. The court proceedings are expected to shed further light on these allegations.
