EFCC Files New N110 Billion Fraud Charges Against Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought new charges against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, alleging involvement in a fraud scheme amounting to N110 billion.

Previously, the EFCC had filed 19 charges against Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, concerning money laundering totaling N80,246,470,088.88.

In the latest set of 16 charges, dated September 25, the amount involved in the money laundering allegations has increased to N110,446,470,089.00.

Bello, Umar Oricha, and Hudu are named as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.

They are accused of using illicit funds to purchase 12 properties in various locations throughout Abuja.

The charges allege that the three men committed a criminal breach of trust regarding the N110,446,470,089.00 that was entrusted to them.

Additionally, the EFCC claims that in 2023, while controlling the state’s treasury, Bello, Oricha, and Hudu unlawfully utilized N950,000,000.00 to acquire a property located at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja.

These actions reportedly violate Section 311 of the Penal Code Law Cap.89 of Northern Nigeria, 1963, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same law.

The agency further alleged that in 2021, they improperly used N100,000,000.00 to purchase another property at No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja.

Moreover, while having access to the state treasury, the defendants are accused of misusing N920,000,000.00 to acquire a property at No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

Other properties mentioned include a purchase at Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja for N170,000,000.00 in 2022, and a N100 million property at No. 1773 Guzape District, Abuja in 2018, as well as a N550 million property at No. 2934A Cadastral Zone A06 (also known as No.1 Ikogosi Spring Close) in Maitama District, Abuja in 2020.

The EFCC has also alleged that in 2021, the defendants transferred $570,330.00 and $556,265.00 to account No. 4266644272 at TD Bank in the United States.

Furthermore, the charge sheet indicates that between 2017 and 2018, Bello unlawfully controlled N677,848,000 obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.