EFCC files fresh N110bn fraud charges against ex-Kogi governor Yahaya Bello, alleging dishonest property acquisitions and money laundering.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he EFCC has filed fresh charges against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, accusing him of N110bn fraud, including the dishonest acquisition of properties in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought fresh charges against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, accusing him of fraud totalling N110bn.

Also read: Yahaya Bello: EFCC accuses colleagues, others of shielding

These new charges were filed following earlier allegations involving N80bn in money laundering offences.

The EFCC’s updated charge sheet, dated September 25, 2024, now accuses Bello, alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, of committing a criminal breach of trust involving the state’s funds.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants used these funds to purchase 12 properties across Abuja, including high-value real estate in Maitama, Asokoro, Gwarimpa, and Wuse.

Specifically, the charges detail the dishonest use of N950m to acquire property on Danube Street, Maitama, and N100m for property in Gwarimpa II District.

Further accusations involve a N920m purchase in Asokoro and several other acquisitions using misappropriated state funds.

Additionally, the EFCC claims that in 2021, Bello and his associates transferred $570,330 and $556,265 to a U.S. bank account, reflecting the international scope of the alleged money laundering activities.

Bello is also accused of controlling nearly N678m unlawfully obtained from Bespoque Business Solution Limited between 2017 and 2018.