EFCC 16-Count Charges: Yahaya Bello, Two Others Plead Not Guilty

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and two others have pleaded not guilty to 16 criminal charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges, which include the alleged fraudulent conversion of ₦110 billion for personal use, were read before Justice Maryann Anenih at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Bello, listed as the first defendant, firmly denied all allegations during the court proceedings.

At the time of this report, legal arguments for bail had just commenced. The EFCC had previously granted administrative bail to the two other defendants, Umar Shoaib Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, while this marks Bello’s first appearance before the court.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with heavy security present at the courthouse. Observers are closely following the developments, given the high-profile nature of the allegations against the former governor.

More updates will follow as the hearing continues .