The federal government has filed a new 16-count charge against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion.
The charges were brought before a federal high court in Abuja, with allegations dating back to between 2016 and 2023.
The charges include using public funds to acquire properties in Abuja and Dubai.
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In addition to Bello, two Kogi State officials, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, are also named in the case.
The charges outline various real estate acquisitions, including properties in upscale Abuja districts such as Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse, and a Dubai property worth millions of Dirhams.
One charge also accuses the defendants of sending over $1 million to accounts in the United States.
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The former governor has also taken legal action, dragging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Supreme Court, challenging an arrest warrant issued against him in April.
Bello’s legal team, led by A.M. Adoyi, urged the court to halt his arraignment pending the outcome of the appeal at the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), pushed back against the defense’s request, accusing Bello’s legal team of disrespecting the judicial process and attempting to evade trial.
The court, after hearing both sides, adjourned the matter until October 30 for a ruling.
