The trial of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, resumed at the Abuja High Court on Monday, February 24, 2025, with heightened security measures in place.
Bello faces 19-count fraud charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, in addition to a separate 16-count fraud charge at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Bello of misappropriating state funds during his administration, including an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud.
He was granted bail set at ₦500 million with two sureties in the same amount.
Bello had previously evaded arrest and court appearances, with assistance from his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who reportedly leveraged his governorship immunity to shield Bello from arrest.
However, Bello eventually presented himself to the EFCC in November 2024 and was subsequently granted bail with stringent conditions.
