By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the remand of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in Kuje prison as he faces serious allegations of financial misconduct. The court made this decision while postponing his trial to February 25, 2025, and rejecting his request for bail. This comes in light of a 16-count charge from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses Bello of embezzling over N110 billion.
The charges suggest that Bello, alongside two other former Kogi officials, misused state funds for personal gain, including purchasing properties in Abuja and Dubai, and transferring large sums of money to international bank accounts. While Bello’s bail request was dismissed, the court did grant bail to the two other accused, but with stringent conditions, such as the forfeiture of their travel documents and a N300 million bond.
Bello, who has been in EFCC custody since November 25, had his bail application rejected on the grounds that it was premature, filed just days before he voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC. The agency further argued that Bello’s previous attempts to evade trial complicated his case, making the request for bail even more contentious.
In my view, this case underscores a deeper problem in Nigerian politics—public officers misusing power and public funds. It’s crucial that leaders, especially those in such high positions, serve with the utmost integrity and accountability. The public deserves transparency, and the law must hold individuals like Bello accountable for betraying the trust of the people. Public service is not a license for personal enrichment but a duty to serve in sincerity. Only when those in power are held responsible can trust in
