The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged ₦80 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello was arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of his intention to withdraw a previous application seeking an earlier date for the arraignment. He stated that the application was no longer relevant, as the arraignment had commenced.
Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel to the defendant, raised no objections to the withdrawal, and Justice Nwite subsequently struck out the application.
The case continues as Bello maintains his plea of innocence.
