EFCC Grants Bail To Co-Defendants In Ex-Gov Bello’s Alleged ₦110.4bn Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to two individuals charged alongside former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in a recent 16-count indictment.

This was disclosed during a session at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on Thursday, where the EFCC expressed difficulties in formally serving Bello with the charge.

When the case was called, Bello and his legal team were absent. EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, reported that Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were released on bail ahead of their upcoming arraignment.

Agoro noted that the public summons issued to compel Bello’s appearance remains valid until November 17, and suggested waiting for the summons period to expire before proceeding.

“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate to take proceedings in this matter while the 30 days is still running,” he submitted.

He requested an adjournment to allow time for Bello to respond to the summons and applied for a court extension should Bello not appear.

The EFCC further requested that a notice be posted at Bello’s last known address, No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, if necessary.

“If after the 30 days he is still not before the court, we will make the necessary applications.

“Meanwhile, in view of the situation, we apply for an extension of time within which the 1st defendant ought to appear before this court to honour the summons.

“We also apply for the court to order that a hearing notice be pasted at the last known address of the 1st defendant, which is No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja,” EFCC’s lawyer added.

Representing Oricha and Hudu, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, and Z. E. Abbas confirmed their clients’ release on administrative bail and did not object to the adjournment.

Saiki expressed gratitude to the EFCC for the bail but requested continued adherence to the terms.

Justice Maryann Anenih, presiding over the case, adjourned proceedings until November 27, instructing that a notice be posted at Bello’s residence and in a prominent area within the court complex.

The case involves charges against Bello and his co-defendants for allegedly misappropriating ₦110.4 billion in state funds. The EFCC’s indictment, marked CR/7781, includes counts of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of assets.

The EFCC claims that Bello used state funds to acquire several properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (₦950 million); No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million); and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million).

Additional acquisitions allegedly funded by the Kogi state treasury include Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million); a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5,698,888 dirhams); Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million); and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million).

Furthermore, the EFCC asserts that Bello and his associates transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and that they held unlawful funds, including ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.