Yahaya Bello had on Tuesday submitted himself to the EFCC in company of his lawyers
By Kehinde Okeowo
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja is under heavy security as former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello appears for his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today.
All the roads leading to the court are heavily secured, while heavily armed operatives of the anti-graft agency are seen around the premises.
As of the time of this report, Yahaya Bello who dressed in white Babanriga and beaming with smiles had entered the courtroom, with praises of Saaki from his teeming followers and political aides.
Meanwhile, the trial judge, Justice Maryann Anenih is still being awaited.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the former governor submitted himself to the EFCC in company of his lawyers on Tuesday.
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The commission initially filed 19 charges against Bello, along with his nephews Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman and Abdulsalam Hudu for money laundering offences amounting to over N80bn.
But the charges were reduced to 16 on September 25, with the total sum allegedly laundered rising to over N110bn.
He, alongside other defendants, were alleged to have bought a total of 12 houses in various locations in Abuja with the money.
The offences, the EFCC said, were contrary to Section 311 of Penal Code Law Cap 89 Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963 and Punishable under Section 312 of the same Law.
