The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed its ruling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to prosecute former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in absentia until January 21, 2025 ¹. Bello faces allegations of money laundering to the tune of N80 billion and has repeatedly failed to appear in court despite multiple summons.
The EFCC initially filed 19 charges against Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for money laundering offenses amounting to N80,246,470,088.88. However, fresh 16 charges dated September 25 increased the total sum to N110,446,470,89.00. Bello, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu are listed as defendants.
Earlier in October, Justice Maryanne Anenih dismissed the oral bail applications of Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, citing the need for formal, written applications ². The EFCC had opposed their release, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed that the EFCC had complied with the court’s order to publish a public summons against Yahaya Bello in a national newspaper, as the former governor continues to disregard court rulings for his appearance.
