ABUJA – In a significant legal development, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has formally filed a comprehensive 16-count charge against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, alongside associates Umar Shuaibu Oicha and Abdulsalam Hudu. The charges were submitted to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on September 24, 2024, under Case No: CR/7781.
Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Funds
The charges against the trio encompass serious allegations, including conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. Central to the case are allegations of conspiracy to commit a criminal breach of trust involving an astonishing N110.4 billion in 2016, along with claims of misappropriation of state funds for personal gain.
The specifics of the charges detail a series of property acquisitions made with allegedly misused state funds, including:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja: Acquired for N950 million.
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja: Acquired for N100 million.
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja: Acquired for N920 million.
- Additional properties include:
- Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja: N170 million.
- Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai: Approximately AED 5,698,888 (around N700 million).
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja: Renovated at a cost of N310.4 million.
International Financial Transactions
The defendants are also accused of transferring substantial amounts of money to accounts in the United States. Specifically, they allegedly sent $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, raising further questions about the legitimacy of these transactions and the sources of the funds involved.
Additionally, the charge sheet highlights that Yahaya Bello allegedly had control over N677.8 million unlawfully obtained from BESPOQUE BUSINESS SOLUTION LIMITED.
Legal Representation
The prosecution team is composed of experienced legal practitioners, including Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa (SAN), Hannatu Umar Kofarnaisa, Zeenat Atiku Bala, Abubakar Salihu Wara, Chinenye C. Okezie, Abbas O. Muhammed, Bilkisu Buhari Bala, and Suleiman I. Suleiman. Their involvement indicates a serious commitment to pursuing justice in what is shaping up to be a landmark case in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.
The Charge Details
The charges specify numerous instances where the accused allegedly misused state treasury funds for personal property acquisitions:
- N950 million for a property in Maitama District in 2023.
- N100 million for a property in Gwarimpa II District in 2021.
- N920 million for a property in Asokoro in 2020.
- Various other sums for properties acquired over the years, all underlining a pattern of financial misconduct and misappropriation of state resources.
The detailed accounts in the charge sheet portray a concerning image of governance under Bello’s administration, raising alarms about the integrity of public office holders in Nigeria.
As the case unfolds in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, the implications of these charges are profound. It not only underscores the commitment of the Federal Government to combat corruption but also reflects the growing scrutiny of former public officials regarding their financial dealings and governance practices.
This legal action against Yahaya Bello and his associates is likely to attract significant media attention and public interest, as Nigerians closely monitor the proceedings for accountability and justice. The case serves as a crucial test of Nigeria’s legal system in addressing corruption and maintaining integrity in governance, pivotal for restoring public trust in state institutions. Further developments are expected as the case progresses, and the outcomes will be closely watched by citizens and stakeholders alike.
