EFCC files N84bn money laundering charges against Yahaya Bello, others
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought forth a barrage of allegations against former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, and several accomplices.
The charges, totaling a staggering N84 billion, include accusations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds.
On Thursday, March 14, 2024, the EFCC presented its case before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. Alongside Yahaya Bello, the accused include his nephew Ali Bello, as well as Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalam Hudu.
The prosecution, led by counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, sought to amend the charges against the defendants to accommodate Yahaya Bello’s inclusion in the trial. Despite objections from the defense, the judge granted the request, allowing the amended charges to be read to the accused.
The charges, spanning 17 counts, allege a conspiracy to convert an astronomical sum of N84,062,406,089.88. One of the counts outlines the accusation that the defendants conspired to convert N80,246,470,089.88, proceeds allegedly derived from criminal breach of trust.
While Yahaya Bello and Abdulsalam Hudu remain at large, Ali Bello and Dauda Sulaiman, present in court, pleaded not guilty to all charges leveled against them.
During the trial, the fourth Prosecution Witness, Yakubu Gana, shed light on a significant transaction involving the purchase of a property in Abuja. He detailed negotiations and payments totaling N950 million, purportedly made on behalf of Yahaya Bello by Ali Bello and Suleiman. Gana recounted a rendezvous at a bureau de change office where dollars were exchanged, shedding light on the intricacies of the transaction.
Subsequently, Ramalan Jibril Abdullahi, acting as a go-between in the property purchase, testified as the fifth prosecution witness. He clarified his role in facilitating the due diligence process, crucial to the acquisition of the said property.
As the trial progresses, the prosecution seeks to present title documents as evidence, with Justice Omotosho directing formal application procedures. The case adjourned to March 28, 2024, marking another milestone in what promises to be a protracted legal battle.
The accusations against Yahaya Bello and his associates send shockwaves through the political landscape, underscoring the relentless pursuit of justice by anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.
