Connect with us

Africa

Alleged 110bn Naira fraud: Nigerian court remands ex-governor

Published

on

Information reaching the Diaspora Digital Media confirmed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to reports, the decision comes after the former governor pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged N110 billion fraud.

During the court session, which took place today, saw the former governor and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, face a range of charges, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

While Yahaya Bello’s legal team filed a bail application, the court adjourned the matter until December 10th for a ruling on whether he will be granted bail.

In the meantime, he will remain under the custody of the EFCC, as the trial progresses.

EFCC vents

A statement by the Media and Publicity Unit of the anti-graft agency bemoaned Mr. Bello’s antics.

Read full Statement below:

Yahaya Bello Must Have his Day in Court
It is public knowledge that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello had made several unsuccessful attempts to throw spanners in his ongoing trial through some irresponsible and utterly rascally efforts.

The appropriate place of surrender would be before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, before whom his legal team had undertaken to produce him to answer to the 18-count charges of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists.

See also  Globus Bank Ex-Staffers In Alleged Multi-Billion Fraud Scandal

To even insinuate that he was the target of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC made efforts to effect his arrest at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge where he had been hiding is preposterous.

It is the first time in the Commission’s more than two decades existence that such a jejune claim would be made.

This is no more than scaremongering, intended to scandalise the Commission.

But EFCC is not deterred by this, and other shenanigans by the ex-governor.

The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the law takes its course in the money laundering charges already filed against Yahaya Bello in Court.

EFCC is eager to engage the former governor in the courtroom where the avalanche of evidence so painstakingly assembled can be presented and arguments marshaled for justice to be served to all parties involved in this saga.

The true test of Yahaya Bello’s willingness to abide by the law in the criminal proceedings instituted against him at the Federal High Court Abuja by the EFCC is to present himself to the court in obedience to the order of Justice Nwite.

His presence in court is the only step that will convince Nigerians that his touted submission to the EFCC which was widely reported in the media on September 18, was not a stunt

Till date, Bello is yet to take his plea in the alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges preferred against him before Justice Nwite.

His invasion of the corporate headquarters of the Commission with a retinue of security details, hand-to-hand cahoots and carriage with a sitting governor having immunity, unwarranted media blitz, scripted sleight of hands unknown to the public and other backend intelligence available to the Commission, compelled a tactical rebuff of his touted surrender offer.

See also  Ondo State Poll: EFCC targets Vote Buyers

The incident of Wednesday, September 18, 2024 regarding the orchestrated antics of the former governor to surrender himself to the EFCC, having denied being invited by the Commission and operating underground as a fugitive for several months, expectedly raised concerns and curiosity of many Nigerians who had been waiting frantically for his arrest and trial.

As a responsible anti-graft agency, the EFCC is sensitive to public opinions, especially if they are in tandem with its operational codes and Standard Operating Procedures.

However, no hysteria, blackmail, sentiment or coordinated attacks in some section of the media would make the Commission compromise its integrity. Yahaya Bello’s matter cannot define the success or failure of the works of the EFCC, as the scorecard of the Commission is remarkable and undeniably impressive.

The EFCC is not unaware of the fact that corruption fights back. Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage.

Within the year, the Commission had arranged three former ministers, two ex-governors, several top government officials, captains of industries, internet fraudsters and many more would be arraigned in due course.

Every former governor, minister, head of ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs being investigated by the Commission would soon be charged to court.

The EFCC is not running a circus show. Corruption issues should not be turned into a theatre of the absurd.

Those who harbor a criminal suspect should know that the act is also a criminal offence which is also punishable in law.

See also  Magnificent Godswill Akpabio Stadium to host Nigeria vs Benin Rep 2025 AFCON Qualifier

While the EFCC is assuring the public of its unfaltering focus and commitment to continue to tackle every issue of economic and financial crime without fear or favour, there is need to remind Nigerians that corruption does fight back and caution and restraint should always be exercised in responding to the operational mechanics and dynamics of the Commission.

The EFCC would continue with its no sacred cow policy, no matter whose ox is gored. END


For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Updates

Opposition leader Mahama returns as Ghana’s president

Peter Obi Donates ₦50M to Promote Education

Ademola Lookman Dazzles: Atlanta vows to keep “Their Star!”

Burkina Faso’s Leadership in Crisis: Government Dissolved

Babangida Aliyu Defends Tax Reform Bills, Slams Misinformed Critics

Ghana’s Presidential Election: Vote Counting Begins

Dele Farotimi and Chief Babalola: The many sides of the coin, by Adewale Adeoye

Presidential poll: Voting ends in Ghana, results trickle in

Rebels overthrow Syrian government, President Assad flees

Yuletide: Ikot Ekpene LG unveils 2024 Raffia City Christmas Village

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks