Two individuals charged alongside former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a ₦110.4 billion misappropriation case have been granted bail, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disclosed on Thursday.
During proceeding at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, the EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, informed the court that Bello’s legal team was absent, and efforts to serve him with the 16-count charge had proven challenging.
The co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were, however, released on administrative bail ahead of their arraignment.
Agoro noted that the summons issued to compel Bello’s appearance remains valid until November 17, stressing that proceedings could not commence while the 30-day notice period is active.
“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate to take proceedings in this matter while the 30 days is still running,” Agoro stated.
He requested an adjournment to allow Bello time to respond to the summons and applied for court approval to post a hearing notice at Bello’s last known address in Abuja if he failed to appear.
The EFCC has accused Bello and his co-defendants of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of assets, as detailed in indictment CR/7781. The charges center on the alleged misappropriation of ₦110.4 billion from Kogi State’s treasury.
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).
The EFCC further alleged that Bello acquired a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai, worth 5,698,888 dirhams, and transferred substantial sums, including $570,330 and $556,265, to TD Bank, USA.
Representing the co-defendants, Aliyu Saiki (SAN) and Z. E. Abbas confirmed their clients’ release on bail and expressed gratitude to the EFCC while urging adherence to the agreed terms.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case until November 27 and directed that notices be posted at Bello’s residence and within the court complex if necessary.
