Crime

Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Remanded in Kuje Prison Until 2025 Over Money Laundering Charges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 10th, 2024.

Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Remanded in Kuje Prison Until 2025 Over Money Laundering Charges

Yahaya Bello

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the detention of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Kuje correctional facility until January 29, 2025. Bello’s trial has also been rescheduled to February 25, 2025.

The court’s decision follows the rejection of Bello’s bail request, which was deemed procedurally flawed. Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled that the application was filed prematurely, as it was submitted before the former governor was physically present in court or officially in custody.

Bello, along with two co-defendants, is facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N110 billion money laundering scheme. The charges, under case number CR/7781, include conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of property.

The EFCC alleges that the former governor misused state funds to acquire several high-value properties, including No. 35 Danube Street in Maitama, Abuja (valued at N950 million), No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03 in Gwarimpa II, Abuja (worth N100 million), and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street in Asokoro, Abuja (valued at N920 million).

Bello has been in custody since November25, 2024.