The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to two individuals charged alongside the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in connection with an alleged N110.4 billion fraud.
The bail was confirmed during proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama on Thursday.
EFCC counsel, Mr. Jamiu Agoro, informed the court that the co-defendants—Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—had been released on bail pending their planned arraignment.
However, Agoro expressed concerns over the inability to serve the charge on Bello, who failed to appear in court. Neither the former governor nor his legal team was present at the hearing.
In his submission, Agoro stated that the EFCC had complied with the court’s order, which included issuing a public summons for Bello to appear and respond to the charges. The summons, issued on October 18, is set to expire on November 17, and Agoro explained that it would not be appropriate to proceed with the case before the summons’ deadline.
“We feel it will not be appropriate to take proceedings in this matter while the 30 days is still running,” Agoro stated. He requested the court to adjourn the case to allow Bello time to honor the summons. He also sought an extension of time for Bello’s appearance before the court and suggested that a hearing notice be posted at his last known address—No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Counsels for the second and third defendants, Mr. Aliyu Saiki, SAN, and Z.E. Abbas, confirmed that their clients had been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and stated they had no objections to the request for an adjournment.
“My Lord, I want to confirm that my client has been released on bail. We are thankful to the prosecution for this gesture, but we only hope and pray that they will be allowed to continue to enjoy the administrative bail,” Saiki, SAN, remarked.
Justice Maryann Anenih, after hearing from all parties, adjourned the case to November 27. She also directed that a fresh hearing notice be served on ex-Gov Bello, to be posted at his Abuja residence and displayed in a visible location at the court.
The charges against Bello and his co-defendants, marked CR/7781, involve conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The EFCC alleges that the former governor used state funds to acquire several properties, including:
– No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million)
– No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million)
– No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million)
– Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million)
– Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5,698,888)
– Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million)
– No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)
The defendants are also accused of transferring $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and of possessing N677.8 million in unlawfully obtained property from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
