The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello today, following his arrest on allegations of N110 billion fraud. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the development, stating that Bello was taken into custody in Abuja on Tuesday and would appear in court promptly.

The EFCC declared Bello wanted in April after unsuccessful attempts to apprehend him. On October 3, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, issued a public summons compelling Bello to appear in court to face a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC. However, Bello failed to comply with the initial October 24 summons, prompting an extension to November 14 and subsequently to November 27.

The new allegations include charges of money laundering involving N80 billion. The EFCC’s counsel, Jamiu Agoro, explained during the last court session on November 14 that the 30-day validity period of the summons issued against Bello would expire on November 17. Agoro further requested an extension for Bello’s appearance and an order to post the hearing notice at his last known address in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. Justice Anenih granted the request, rescheduling the hearing for November 27.

Previously, Bello had sought to halt his arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite, but his application was denied on July 17. An appeal to the Court of Appeal was also dismissed on August 20, with a directive for him to surrender for trial. Bello’s nephews, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, are also implicated in the case.