BREAKING: Court Adjourns Ruling On EFCC’s Application To Try Yahaya Bello In Absentia To January 2025

Abuja, Nigeria- The Abuja Federal High Court has adjourned until January 21, 2025, to rule on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) application to try Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in absentia.

The EFCC has filed charges against Bello, alleging involvement in a money laundering scheme.

During the proceedings, the EFCC argued that Bello’s continued absence from court proceedings hampers the pursuit of justice.

Last week, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, co-defendants with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Maryanne Anenih ruled on the matter on Thursday.

The EFCC recently filed new charges against the wanted former governor, alleging his involvement in N110 billion fraud.

Meanwhile, the commission had brought 19 charges against Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, concerning money laundering offenses totaling N80,246,470,088.88.

However, the latest set of 16 charges, dated September 25, increased the total amount involved in the money laundering offenses to N110,446,470,89.00.

Bello, Umar Oricho, and Abdulsalam Hudu are identified as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.