The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, co-defendants of former Governor Yahaya Bello in the N110.4 billion fraud case. However, the EFCC has requested an extension of time for Yahaya Bello to appear in court to face the alleged money laundering charges filed against him.
The EFCC had 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. Fresh charges dated September 25 increased the total amount involved to N110,446,470,89.00.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Maryanne Anenih granted the EFCC’s application for adjournment, including the hearing notice, and adjourned the case until November 27. The court had previously issued a public summons against Bello following his absence in a fresh arraignment on 16-count charges preferred against him by the EFCC.
Case Timeline:
October 3, 2024:_ Court issues public summons against Yahaya Bello
November 27, 2024:_ Next hearing date
Charges Against Yahaya Bello:
19 initial charges_ for money laundering offenses amounting to N80,246,470,088.88
16 fresh charges_ dated September 25, increasing the total amount involved to N110,446,470,89.00
