Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of fraud and financial misconduct filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges, which stem from an alleged N110 billion scam, were brought before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja.

Bello, who had been on the run for several months, surrendered to the EFCC on Tuesday, bringing an end to a protracted game of hide-and-seek between him and the anti-graft agency.

RELATED NEWS: Yahaya Bello Appears In Court Over Alleged N110bn Fraud

He appeared in court dressed in a white caftan and blue cap, taking his place in the dock at 9:45 am.

The charges, under case number CR/7781, accuse Bello and his co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property.

The EFCC alleges that the former governor misappropriated state funds to acquire a series of high-end properties, including: No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja (valued at N950 million),  No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja (N100 million), No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million), Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million), A luxury apartment in Burj Khalifa, Dubai (AED 5.7 million), Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million), No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)

The charges further allege that Bello and his co-defendants transferred significant sums abroad, including $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank in the USA.

They are also accused of holding N677.8 million, allegedly obtained through fraudulent means, in an account with Bespoque Business Solution Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, over allegations of multi-billion naira fraud.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that Bello was apprehended on Tuesday at 12:54 p.m. in Abuja.

RELATED NEWS: Yahaya Bello Resurfaces In EFCC’s Custody After Months In Hiding

Oyewale noted that despite being declared wanted, the former governor did not voluntarily submit himself to the commission.

“We arrested him (Yahaya Bello) at 12:54 p.m. He did not surrender himself to the commission. Three of his lawyers are here with him,” Oyewale explained.

The EFCC spokesperson added that Bello is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation by investigators.

“He is being detained in our custody and will be arraigned in court accordingly,” he said.

This arrest comes as part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, has faced multiple allegations of financial impropriety during his administration.

Further details on the charges and Bello’s upcoming court proceedings are expected to be released in the coming days.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall, located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at around 10:55 p.m. at the mall located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, said: “The assailants overpowered the victim’s police escort after killing his driver and forcibly took Mr. Ekerenam away.

READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Resurfaces In EFCC’s Custody After Months In Hiding

“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, and his tactical team have visited the scene, and efforts are in top gear to rescue the victim unharmed.”

A family source disclosed that the injured police officer is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.

This abduction comes four years after Mr. Ekerenam’s wife, Glory Ekerenam, was kidnapped in October 2019 in Eket and held captive in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area before being freed.

The police have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as security agencies intensify efforts to address the growing wave of insecurity in Akwa Ibom State.