Here are the details of the N80.2 billion fraud case against Yahaya Bello
Yahaya Bello: The former governor of Kogi State is facing charges of N80.2 billion money laundering at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
-Court Ruling: The court has fixed May 10, 2024, to rule on Bello’s application seeking vacation of the arrest warrant issued against him.
EFCC’s Position: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has promised to set aside the arrest warrant if Bello appears in court.
Bello’s Concerns: Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, has expressed concerns about the arrest warrant, citing fears of arrest and prejudice to a fair trial.
EFCC’s Allegations: The EFCC alleges that Bello laundered N80.2 billion while serving as governor of Kogi State between 2016 and 2020.
Bello’s Denial: Bello has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image.
EFCC Withdraws Appeal: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of withdrawal to discontinue an appeal against an order of a Kogi high court restraining the agency from arresting Yahaya Bello, former governor of the state.
Kogi Assembly Defends Yahaya Bello*: The State House of Assembly has called on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, to obey the rule of law and work within the ambit of law.
EFCC Approaches Appeal Court: The EFCC is accusing Bello of embezzling N80.2 billion during his tenure in office and has approached the Appeal Court to set aside the restraining order.
Yahaya Bello’s Denial: Bello has denied the allegations of fraud and money laundering, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image.
EFCC’s Accusation: The EFCC’s case hinges on a meticulously compiled dossier outlining various financial irregularities allegedly perpetrated during Bello’s time as governor.
The N80.2 billion sum reportedly stems from a combination of sources, including inflated contracts awarded to fictitious companies, diversion of state funds for personal gain, and misappropriation of budgetary allocations.
Then the recently ekwutosblog learnt that The court has rejected Yahaya Bello’s request to stop his trial over the alleged N80.2 billion fraud. This means that the trial will proceed as scheduled, and Bello will have to face the charges against him.
The court’s decision is a significant development in the case, as it indicates that the judicial process will continue despite Bello’s efforts to halt it. The prosecution, led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), will likely present its evidence and witnesses to build a case against Bello, who will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations.
It’s important to note that the rejection of Bello’s request to stop the trial doesn’t imply guilt or innocence; it simply means that the court has found sufficient grounds to proceed with the trial. The outcome of the case will ultimately depend on the evidence presented and the court’s verdict based on that evidence.
