Yahaya Bello Re-Arrested by EFCC Ahead of Fresh Arraignment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearrested the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, ahead of his planned fresh arraignment before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on money laundering charges.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is expected to be docked on charges relating to alleged diversion of state funds and procurement fraud during his time in office. The EFCC had previously arraigned him in absentia before Justice Egwuatu.

The former governor has had a running legal battle with the anti-graft agency, which began in 2024 after the commission declared him wanted. He was first arraigned in absentia on an 18-count charge of money laundering involving sums running into billions of naira.

A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is in court, confirmed the fresh arrest to reporters in Abuja on Wednesday evening, saying the commission intends to ensure Bello faces the charges against him without further delay.

Premium Times, which first reported the fresh arrest, said the EFCC has been in touch with Bello’s legal team ahead of the new arraignment. Daily Post also confirmed the development in a separate report.

The case has become one of the most closely watched corruption trials involving a former state governor in Nigeria, with civil society groups calling for a speedy and transparent prosecution.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post