Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has pleaded not guilty to an 18-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges include allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling approximately N80.2 billion.
During his arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Bello denied all 18 counts. The EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution’s intention to withdraw an earlier application seeking to move up the arraignment date, noting that the request had become unnecessary.
The defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objections to the withdrawal, and Justice Nwite approved the request. The case will continue, with Bello maintaining his innocence on all charges.
