The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released two co-defendants of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on bail amid an ongoing N110.4 billion fraud case. The EFCC confirmed the release of Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, who are facing a 16-count charge alongside Bello, during a hearing at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on Thursday.
The anti-corruption agency, however, reported difficulties in serving the charge on Bello, who was absent from the courtroom alongside his legal team. EFCC prosecutor Jamiu Agoro told the court that Oricha and Hudu had been granted administrative bail pending their upcoming arraignment. Agoro added that the agency is operating within a 30-day summons period issued to Bello, expiring on November 17, and requested an adjournment to allow the former governor an opportunity to respond.
“We feel it would not be appropriate to proceed while the 30-day summons period remains active,” Agoro explained, signaling the agency’s intent to escalate the matter should Bello fail to appear by the deadline. Agoro also requested that the court extend the time frame for Bello’s appearance and authorize service of a hearing notice at his last known address, No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Representatives for the co-defendants, Senior Advocates Aliyu Saiki and Z. E. Abbas, confirmed their clients’ release on bail and expressed hope that the administrative bail terms would continue without interruption. Saiki thanked the prosecution, adding, “We only hope that they will be allowed to continue to enjoy the administrative bail.”
Following the submissions, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the case to November 27 and directed that a fresh hearing notice be served on Bello at his Abuja residence and prominently within the court premises.
Bello and his co-defendants are facing multiple charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The EFCC alleges that the former governor used state funds to purchase a series of high-value properties, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja – N950 million
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja – N100 million
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja – N920 million
- Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N170 million
- Hotel Apartment at Burj Khalifa, Dubai – valued at 5,698,888 Dirhams
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N60 million
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – N310.4 million
The EFCC also claims that Bello funneled $570,330 and $556,265 into TD Bank in the United States and amassed N677.8 million in unlawfully obtained funds from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
The court’s next hearing will determine whether Bello will respond to the charges or face further actions from the EFCC.
