The Federal Republic of Nigeria has initiated legal proceedings against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, along with Umar Shuaibu Oicha and Abdulsalam Hudu, by filing a 16-count charge at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. This legal action, which took place on September 24, 2024, is documented under Case No: CR/7781. The charges against the defendants include serious offenses such as conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The case is currently pending before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
Overview of the Allegations
The charges bring to light several grave allegations against the defendants, focusing particularly on the misuse of state funds totaling an astonishing N110.4 billion. This alleged misuse reportedly took place in 2016 and is tied to the acquisition of numerous high-value properties in Abuja and beyond. Among the properties cited in the charges are:
- No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja – Acquired for N950 million.
- No. 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja – Acquired for N100 million.
- No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja – Acquired for N920 million.
- Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – Acquired for N170 million.
- Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai – Acquired for 5,698,888 Dirhams.
- Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – Acquired for N60 million.
- No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja – Renovated for N310.4 million.
The scope of the alleged financial misconduct is extensive, with a multitude of transactions cited that suggest a pattern of illicit activity and misappropriation of public funds. These transactions allegedly involve not only real estate but also significant cash transfers to foreign accounts.
Detailed Charges
The charge sheet specifies numerous instances where the defendants allegedly engaged in dishonest transactions involving state treasury funds:
- In 2023, it is alleged that the trio misused N950 million for the purchase of the property at Danube Street in Abuja.
- In 2021, they reportedly misappropriated N100 million for acquiring the Gwarimpa property.
- The Asokoro property was allegedly acquired in 2020 using N920 million from state funds.
- They are also accused of acquiring other properties and transferring funds internationally, with one instance involving a sum of $570,330 sent to a TD Bank account in the USA.
Furthermore, the defendants are implicated in possessing unlawfully obtained property, which includes a staggering N677.8 million traced back to BESPOQUE BUSINESS SOLUTION LIMITED. This raises concerns about the integrity of public service and the management of state resources under their stewardship.
The prosecution team is led by notable legal practitioners, including Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) and Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa (SAN), among others. Their collective expertise is expected to play a crucial role in the proceedings as they work to substantiate the serious charges brought against the defendants.
As this case unfolds in the High Court, it underscores the broader issues of accountability and governance in Nigeria. The serious nature of the allegations reflects significant concerns regarding the use of public funds and the need for stringent oversight in government financial transactions. With the charges now formally filed, the court’s proceedings will attract considerable public and media attention as the nation watches to see how justice will be served in this high-profile corruption case.
