Yahaya Bello pleads not guilty to ‘N110bn fraud’ charges

Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, has pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello was arraigned on Wednesday at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, to the tune of N110 billion.

The former governor’s co-defendants — Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu — also pleaded not guilty to charges preferred against them.

After taking their plea, Joseph Daudu, counsel to Bello, moved the bail application.

Kemi Pinheiro, EFCC counsel, opposed the application.

The co-defendants had earlier been granted administrative bail by the anti-graft agency.

Countering Pinheiro, Dauda said the only relevant application before the court is Bello’s bail application, which was filed on November 22.

Dauda said the bail application was also supported with a written address.

The former governor’s lawyer said his client remains innocent until proven guilty.

“It is within his rights to enjoy his liberty while preparing for trial,” he said.

“The prosecution’s objection is based on the fact that he is facing charges at the federal high court and has refused to appear to take his plea.

“The court should not use issues from another court to determine issues before the FCT high court.”

Earlier, the EFCC counsel had moved for trial to commence immediately, and was ready to call his first witness.

However, Bello’s counsel said the defence team was served with the charge at 11pm on November 26, and that he will need more time to prepare his client.