On Wednesday, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordered the detention of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court also adjourned the case until December 10, 2024, for a ruling on his bail application.

Bello, along with two co-defendants, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, is facing 16 charges filed by the EFCC. During the proceedings, the judge took arguments from both sides regarding Bello’s bail request. His defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, and the prosecution, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, made their submissions before the court.

The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bello, who had been scheduled for arraignment in April, voluntarily appeared before the EFCC on Tuesday.

Before his arraignment on the N110.4 billion charges in this court, Bello was also expected to face charges of N84 billion before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Wednesday’s court appearance marked his first plea hearing for the charges.

Following the plea, Daudu filed a motion for bail, which was opposed by the EFCC. Pinheiro argued that the motion had expired in October, but Daudu clarified that the bail application currently before the court was filed on November 22 and was supported by written submissions. He emphasized that Bello’s voluntary court appearance demonstrated his respect for the legal process, asserting that he was presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Daudu further contested the EFCC’s objection, pointing out that issues in the Federal High Court case should not affect the FCT High Court proceedings. He added that the defendant has the right to liberty while preparing for trial and should not be denied bail based on a case in another court.

In response, Pinheiro raised concerns about the potential flight risk of the second defendant, who continues to hold a government position as the Director-General of the Kogi State Government House. Daudu countered that the prosecution’s claims were speculative, urging the court to dismiss the objections.

After a brief recess, Justice Anenih decided to adjourn the bail ruling until December 10. The three defendants will remain in EFCC custody until then.

Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Oricha and Hudu, have been granted administrative bail by the EFCC. The charges against the defendants include misappropriating state funds to acquire properties worth millions, transferring large sums of money to a bank in the United States, and possessing unlawfully obtained assets, including a significant amount of N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited. They face accusations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of illicit property.

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, stepped in to maintain order in the courtroom when Justice Maryann Anenih walked out.

Bello, who was scheduled to be arraigned alongside his co-defendants, found himself in charge of managing the crowd after Justice Anenih abruptly rose from her seat and declared she would not return until the courtroom was calm.

Shortly after the judge left the courtroom, Bello who sat in the front of the courtroom stood up and approached the surging crowd.

He immediately directed his supporters and sympathisers to vacate their seats and leave the courtroom.

His actions defused the tension without resistance, as the followers complied without resistance, exiting one by one.

To further ensure sanity in the courtroom, Bello, the former governor sat at the entrance to the courtroom ensuring no one defied the court’s directive.

Meanwhile, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, is representing the Federal Government in the case, while Joseph Dauda, SAN, leads Bello’s legal team.

The charges against Bello include allegations of laundering over N80 billion, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) having declared him wanted in April 2024.

Yahaya Bello, Former Kogi State Governor, has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over his involvement in an alleged N110 billion fraud.

On Wednesday Bello was arraigned before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The former Kogi governor was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in April 2024.

More details to come…

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved the second reading of a bill to repeal the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Act of 1959 and its subsequent amendments, introducing the new Ministry of Finance Incorporated (Establishment) Act, 2023. The bill, sponsored by Ademorin Kuye, the representative for Shomolu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, seeks to enhance the management, accountability, and ownership of federal government assets.

MOFI, originally established in 1959, has served as the sole custodian of federal assets. However, Kuye argued that it has failed to meet public expectations, citing issues such as the mismanagement, misappropriation, and abuse of government assets throughout the country. He emphasized that the existing 1959 Act, which consists of only six sections, is inadequate for managing the nation’s vast and complex assets in today’s environment.

The proposed bill introduces a comprehensive framework with 49 sections to better govern the management and use of federal government assets. Once enacted, the new legislation would revitalize MOFI by establishing a more robust institutional framework designed to enhance corporate governance and operational efficiency.

Kuye explained that the new Act would lay a strong legal foundation for the creation of a national corporation capable of managing over N300 trillion worth of federal assets. The bill would grant MOFI additional powers and ensure the board is properly incentivized.

Among the key provisions of the bill, Section 3 outlines the objectives of empowering MOFI to inventory and assess all federal assets, ensure their sustainability, develop a national asset management strategy, and act as the primary investment vehicle for government holdings. Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a national asset register, which would maintain an accurate record of government assets, liabilities, values, locations, and depreciation.

The bill also includes provisions for the efficient control, management, and disposal of government assets. It grants the Minister of Finance the authority to issue guidelines and policies for MOFI’s investment activities and sets out the legal framework for proceedings in the Federal High Court.

Kuye highlighted that the bill would drive increased revenue generation, reduce financial leakages, and enhance the value of the nation’s asset portfolio. Currently, MOFI’s registered assets total N18 trillion, but with the new national asset register, a comprehensive census of government holdings could potentially raise the value to N350 trillion, significantly boosting the national economy.

Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has arrived at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja for a hearing related to the alleged N110 billion fraud against him. Bello had been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in April 2024.

On Tuesday, he reported to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where he was interrogated. The following morning, he was taken to court for the hearing.

Despite the charges being filed against him, the EFCC had not been able to bring Bello to court for his arraignment until now. The charges include 19 counts related to money laundering, involving Bello and his nephews—Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu—accused of embezzling over N80 billion.