Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been summoned to appear before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, facing allegations of criminal breach of trust and possession of unlawfully acquired property. The court summons, issued by Justice Maryann E. Anenih, claims that Bello committed these offenses between 2016 and 2023.

Dated October 3, 2024, the summons was shared publicly on the Economic Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) X handle. Legal documents indicate that Bello stands accused of breaching Section 311 of the Penal Code Law, Cap. 89 of the Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963, which pertains to criminal breach of trust, punishable under Section 312. Additionally, he faces charges under Section 319A for allegedly possessing property believed to have been obtained through unlawful means.

The summons details that, “A complaint has been made on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, sometimes within the year 2016 up until 2023… did commit offences to wit: criminal breach of trust… and having possession or control of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.” Bello is required to appear at High Court No. 3 in Maitama on November 14, 2024, at 9 a.m.

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In related developments, the EFCC had previously declared the former governor wanted and filed fresh charges against him, alleging involvement in N110 billion fraud. Initially, 19 charges were filed against Bello, alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, for money laundering offences totaling approximately N80 billion. However, the latest charges, filed on September 25, have escalated the total amount involved to over N110 billion.

Notably, Bello recently visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja with the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, but he was not interrogated. The EFCC later described this visit as part of a strategic maneuver. Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, remarked that Bello’s appearance at the commission on September 18 appeared more theatrical than genuine, aimed at presenting an image of compliance with the law.

In September, there were attempts by the EFCC to arrest Bello, which were unsuccessful.