The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, where he pleaded not guilty to an 18-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges against Bello include allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling approximately N80.2 billion. Upon the reading of the charges, the former governor firmly declared his innocence to each of the 18 counts.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, addressed Justice Emeka Nwite, notifying the court of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw an earlier application seeking an expedited arraignment date. Pinheiro explained that the application had been rendered unnecessary due to recent developments.
The defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objections to the withdrawal. Justice Nwite subsequently granted the prosecution’s request, allowing the case to proceed as scheduled.
The trial continues, drawing significant public interest as it unfolds.
