Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to N80 billion. The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello entered his plea before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja during his arraignment on Friday.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw a previous application seeking to fast-track the arraignment date. He noted that the application was no longer relevant, as the case had now commenced.
The defense team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not oppose the withdrawal, and the judge approved the request.
Further updates on the trial are expected in the coming days.
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