The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Friday pleaded not guilty to an 18-count filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The charges include allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion.
During his arraignment at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the charges were read to Bello, to which he responded, “Not guilty” to all 18 counts.
When the case was called, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, counsel for the EFCC, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw an earlier application seeking to abridge the date originally set for arraignment. Pinheiro explained that the application had been rendered unnecessary by recent developments.
The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal of the application, prompting Justice Nwite to grant the request without further deliberation.
The case, involving the former governor and allegations of large-scale financial impropriety, continues to unfold as more details are expected in subsequent hearings.
