Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has pleaded not guilty to a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling ₦110 billion.
The charges, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), include allegations of diverting public funds, fraud, and illegal financial transactions during his tenure as governor. Bello was arraigned on Wednesday at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Appearing before Justice Peter Afen, Bello firmly denied all charges, asserting his innocence. His legal counsel described the allegations as politically motivated and vowed to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
The EFCC, however, stated that their investigation uncovered substantial evidence linking Bello to the diversion of state funds meant for critical projects. The commission argued that the alleged crimes contributed to significant financial losses for Kogi State.
During the proceedings, the court granted Bello bail under stringent conditions, including the surrender of his travel documents. The judge emphasized the importance of ensuring the trial proceeds without unnecessary delays.
The case has sparked widespread reactions, with citizens and advocacy groups calling for a transparent judicial process. The trial is set to continue on a later date, as both sides prepare to present their arguments.
This high-profile case underscores ongoing efforts to tackle corruption in Nigeria and raises questions about the accountability of public officials in managing state resources.