Former Governor of Kogi state has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him that he stole over N80 billion belonging to the state. Bello, took the position on Friday when the charges were read to him at the Federal high court Abuja, where he’s currently being tried for corruption.
The former governor is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC which accused him of money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds while he was governor.
The ex-Kogi strongman was in office for eight years until he left last year.
Bello took the no-guilty plea after the 18-charge was read to him today during his arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite.
When the case was called for hearing, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed Justice Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, of the intention of the prosecution to withdraw an earlier application for abridgment of the earlier date fixed for arraignment.
He said the application had been overtaken by events.
However, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Nwite accordingly granted the request.
The magazine reported that Bello was a fugitive for several months until he handed himself over to the anti-graft commission on November 26.
Three days ago, a federal high court in Abuja presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih denied him bail after his counsels applied for same in the court.
Justice Anenih later adjourned his bail hearing till January 25 next year.
