The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was not present at previous court proceedings.
According to a statement made by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Bello’s lawyer J.B. Daudu (SAN) claimed that his absence during Friday’s trial was “a procedural move.”
In the past, the former governor of Kogi State has been absent from court, which has caused trial processes to stagnate and necessitated postponing sittings.
Bello faces a 19-count charge that violates Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and is punishable under Section 15(3) for criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
The former governor reportedly apologised through his attorney before being released on N500 million bail, according to the EFCC’s statement.
Yahaya Adoza Bello, a former governor of Kogi State, apologised to Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on December 13, 2024, for not showing up for his trial, according to the statement. Bello apologised for any perceived disrespect to the court through his attorney, J.B. Daudu SAN.
The EFCC cited Bello’s attorney as saying, “My lord, I am apologising on behalf of the defendant for any perceived disrespect towards the court in the past.”
Bello’s attorney explained to the court that his prior behaviour was not meant to be construed as disrespect.
“For the record, my lord, I would want to express my regret if there was any suggestion that the defendant would not come before your Lordship. The case reached the Supreme Court after he gave his former attorney instructions to contest the court’s jurisdiction.” The EFCC reported that Bello’s attorney told the court on Friday that this was a procedural manoeuvre rather than a show of disrespect.
He went on to emphasise that “the defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State, holds the court in the highest regard.” I guarantee this esteemed court that, absent illness or death, he will show up for trial on all postponed days.
Bello was charged with conspiring to convert ₦80,246,470,089.88 (eighty billion, two hundred and forty-six million, four hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-nine thousand naira, eighty-eight kobo), which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity, namely: criminal breach of trust, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.
Additional accusations include alleged fraudulent transactions through multiple businesses between 2016 and 2023 that included billions of naira and foreign money.
To every charge, Bello entered a not-guilty plea.
With gratitude for the prosecution’s forbearance, Daudu requested bail for his client.
“Dr. Kemi Pinheiro SAN, my learnt silk for the prosecution, has my utmost respect.” He provided a floppy copy of the counter-affidavit before today’s sessions, and we decided to steer clear of pointless debates. We request that the judge grant bail with reasonable limitations,” he stated.
Pinheiro replied that the defence attorney was very professional.
“J.B. Daudu SAN’s integrity must be acknowledged. Our goal has been to make the process more efficient and less taxing on your Lordship.
“The EFCC is not a prosecutorial agency; it is a professional one. However, the court has complete authority over whether to grant bail and what terms it would impose,” he stated.
“Let it be on record that the defendant has apologised through his counsel,” Pinheiro added, mentioning the defendant’s apology.
In making his decision, Justice Nwite stressed his independence.
“Neither side will give me instructions. However, I lean towards granting bail in light of J.B. Daudu SAN’s guarantees. If not for these guarantees, my decision might have been otherwise,” the judge said.
Bello was given N500 million in bail by the court, along with two sureties in an equivalent amount.
The properties owned by the sureties must be located within the court’s jurisdiction. Bello must also provide recent passport photos, swear an oath of means, and leave his international passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.
In addition to remanding Bello to the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kuje until the bail requirements are fulfilled, Justice Nwite postponed the trial until February 24 and 28, as well as March 6 and 7, 2025.
