EFCC grants bail to co-defendants in ex-Gov Bello’s alleged ₦110.4bn fraud case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to two individuals charged alongside former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in a recent 16-count indictment.
This was revealed during a session at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama on Thursday, where the EFCC indicated challenges in formally serving Bello with the charge.
When the case was called, neither Bello nor his legal team was present. EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, reported that Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were released on bail in preparation for their upcoming arraignment.
Agoro mentioned that the public summons issued to ensure Bello’s appearance remains effective until November 17, suggesting that the court wait for the summons period to conclude before taking further action.
“In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate to take proceedings in this matter while the 30 days is still running,” he submitted.
He requested an adjournment to allow time for Bello to respond to the summons and applied for a court extension should Bello not appear.
The EFCC further requested that a notice be posted at Bello’s last known address, No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, if necessary.
“If after the 30 days he is still not before the court, we will make the necessary applications.
“Meanwhile, in view of the situation, we apply for an extension of time within which the 1st defendant ought to appear before this court to honour the summons.
“We also apply for the court to order that a hearing notice be pasted at the last known address of the 1st defendant, which is No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja,” EFCC’s lawyer added.
Representing Oricha and Hudu, Aliyu Saiki, SAN, and Z. E. Abbas confirmed that their clients were granted administrative bail and raised no objections to the adjournment.
Saiki expressed appreciation to the EFCC for granting bail and urged continued compliance with the agreed terms.
Justice Maryann Anenih, presiding over the case, adjourned proceedings to November 27, directing that a notice be posted at Bello’s residence and in a prominent location within the court complex.
The case concerns allegations against Bello and his co-defendants for the alleged misappropriation of ₦110.4 billion in state funds. The EFCC’s indictment, marked CR/7781, charges them with conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful possession of assets.
The EFCC alleges that Bello used state funds to acquire properties, including No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (₦950 million); No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (₦100 million); and No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (₦920 million).
Additional alleged acquisitions funded by the Kogi state treasury include Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦170 million); a hotel apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5,698,888 dirhams); Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦60 million); and No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (₦310.4 million).
Furthermore, the EFCC claims that Bello and his associates transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and held other unlawful funds, including ₦677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
