Yahaya Bello

Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State (2016–2024), is currently facing multiple corruption and money laundering trials initiated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In 2017, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accused Bello of double voter registration, though he remained in office and faced no formal conviction for this. Currently, Bello is the subject of two major fraud prosecutions: 1. A 19-count money laundering charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving an alleged diversion of N80.2 billion from Kogi State and local government accounts. 2. A 16-count charge before the FCT High Court, Maitama, involving an alleged N110.4 billion fraud, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege these funds were used to acquire luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai, including a Burj Khalifa apartment and multiple Abuja estates. In August 2025, the Court of Appeal restored an EFCC interim forfeiture order for 14 properties linked to these investigations. Bello has denied all charges, frequently challenging the courts' jurisdiction and the validity of the proceedings. Courts have repeatedly dismissed his applications to halt these trials, and hearings remain ongoing as of mid-2026.