The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed new charges against former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, accusing him of involvement in a N110 billion fraud.
This comes as an escalation of previous charges, where Bello and several associates were accused of laundering N80.2 billion.
The latest set of 16 charges, dated September 25, 2024, lists Yahaya Bello, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu as defendants. The EFCC alleges that they committed criminal breach of trust with funds entrusted to them from the Kogi State treasury, increasing the alleged money laundering total to N110.4 billion.
The charges indicate that Bello, alongside Oricha and Hudu, used public funds to acquire multiple properties across Abuja. Among the acquisitions listed were a property worth N950 million located at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, and another valued at N100 million at No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District.
Further allegations include the dishonest acquisition of a N920 million property at No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street in Asokoro, Abuja, as well as properties on Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, and Guzape District, purchased for N170 million and N100 million, respectively.
The EFCC also revealed that, in 2021, the defendants transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to an account in TD Bank, United States, raising suspicions of international money laundering.
Bello is also accused of controlling N677.8 million unlawfully obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited between 2017 and 2018.
These new charges add to the legal challenges faced by Bello, who is already under scrutiny for a range of financial misconduct allegations. The EFCC’s pursuit of justice in this case underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to tackling high-level corruption.
