EFCC Explains Yahaya Bello’s Absence From Court in ₦80.2bn Fraud Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained the absence of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, from his court trials. A statement issued by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, quoted Bello’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu (SAN), who stated that the absence was a “procedural move.” Bello’s absence had previously caused delays in the trial, with sittings being postponed.
Bello faces a 19-count charge related to criminal breach of trust and money laundering, including a specific charge regarding an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud. The EFCC accuses him and others of converting funds that they reasonably knew to be proceeds from unlawful activities. The charges stem from fraudulent transactions involving billions of naira and foreign currency between 2016 and 2023.
During the trial on December 13, 2024, Bello’s counsel apologized to the court for his client’s failure to appear, stating that it was not intended as an act of contempt. He explained that the earlier absence resulted from a legal challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, which had been taken to the Supreme Court. He assured the court that Bello would appear for trial on all adjourned dates, except in cases of sickness or death.
Bello, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, was granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties of similar financial standing. Additional conditions include the submission of his international passport and the deposit of recent passport photographs. Bello was remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kuje until the bail conditions are met. The trial was adjourned to February 24, 28, and March 6, 7, 2025, for further proceedings.
