Bello, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faces a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ₦110.4 billion.
Details of the Charges
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Umar Shuaibu Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu, sometime in 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while having dominion over the state’s treasury, dishonestly utilized the sum of 5,698,888 Dirhams for the acquisition of a property located at Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Sky View Building No. 401, Floor 4, Dubai, U.A.E.”
Another charge alleges:
“That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, sometime between 2017 and 2018, in Abuja, unlawfully obtained ₦677,848,000 from Bespoque Business Solution Limited, which was under your control.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
Bail Application Debate
Following the pleas, EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), expressed the prosecution’s readiness to commence trial immediately. However, Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel for Bello and the second defendant, moved an application for bail.
Pinheiro opposed the application, arguing that it was filed prematurely, as it predated the arraignment and lacked procedural merit. He highlighted that Bello’s bail application, dated November 22, 2024, was filed before the defendant submitted himself to the court.
“The bail application is premature and procedurally flawed as it was filed before this court assumed jurisdiction over the defendants,” Pinheiro contended. He also emphasized Bello’s history of ignoring court summons and orders, stating, “The defendant has repeatedly shown disregard for judicial processes, failing to appear before both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.”
Pinheiro further underscored the gravity of the charges, pointing out that over ₦130 billion in public funds were allegedly used to acquire properties across Abuja and other locations. He argued that Bello’s political influence could compromise the integrity of the trial, stating, “Granting bail poses a significant risk to the trial, given the magnitude of funds involved and the defendant’s influence.”
Opposition to Bail for Co-Defendants
Pinheiro also opposed bail for the second and third defendants.
Regarding Oricha, he noted that the second defendant, who serves as the Director General at the Kogi State Government House, remains in a position to interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations. “His continued role in government poses a direct threat to the integrity of this trial,” Pinheiro argued.
Similarly, the third defendant, Hudu, who previously served as a cashier and is now a permanent secretary, was flagged as a potential risk. “The witnesses in this case are civil servants under his authority. His release would significantly jeopardize the trial process,” Pinheiro told the court.
Court Ruling
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Anenih ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody. She adjourned the hearing of the bail applications to December 10, 2024.
The case is being closely watched as it involves one of the largest alleged financial crimes in recent years, with significant implications for governance and accountability in Nigeria.
