The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in an alleged N80 billion money laundering case to June 27, 2024, following an agreement between the defense and prosecution.

Initially scheduled for June 13, 2024, the arraignment was deferred after Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, informed the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyers requested a new date.

Despite the agreement, EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo claimed he was unaware of any prior arrangement to reschedule the arraignment. Justice Emeka Nwite, however, adjourned the case to June 27, with Adedipe assuring the court that Bello would appear on the new date.

By refusing to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to prove his innocence of the allegations against him, and also using Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State to prevent the anti-graft commission from arresting him, former Governor Yahaya Bello, has been declared a fugitive. Here’s what you should know about the Ex-Governor of Kogi’s case.

1. Initial Allegations:
   • Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello is accused by the EFCC of withdrawing $720,000 from the state’s coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance.
   • EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made this allegation during an interactive session with media executives in Abuja.
2. Further Details:
   • Bello allegedly transferred the money to a bureau de change operator to facilitate the payment as his tenure was ending.
   • Olukoyede stated that he inherited the case file of the former Kogi governor and did not initiate the investigation against him.
3. Siege on Bello’s Residence:
   • On April 17, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello over alleged N80 billion fraud.
   • The siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja ended after the current Kogi governor, Usman Ododo, departed from the premises.
4. Bello Declared Wanted:
   • Following the failed arrest attempt, the EFCC declared Bello a fugitive, with the Nigeria Immigration Service placing him on a watchlist.
5. Allegations Against Bello:
   • Bello, along with Alli Bello (chief of staff to Ododo) and Daudu Suleiman, are accused of diverting about N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.
6. EFCC Chairman’s Vow:
   • Olukoyede vowed to resign if the EFCC does not prosecute Bello to a logical conclusion.
7. Interrogation Request: Bello was invited to the EFCC office for interrogation, but he requested to be questioned in his village instead.
8. Legal Proceedings:
   • Olukoyede asserted that the EFCC did not violate any laws in its attempt to arrest Bello and emphasized the commitment to investigate and prosecute all individuals involved in the misappropriation of public funds.
   • Two past governors, Willie Obiano and Abdulfatah Ahmed, have been arraigned by the EFCC and granted bail.

 The media office of Yahaya Bello accused the EFCC of violating a court order by harassing Bello, highlighting a fundamental rights enforcement action filed by Bello against the EFCC. The media office expressed Bello’s commitment to protecting his reputation, rights, and dignity as a law-abiding citizen.