Nigeria’s former gov under N80.2bn fraud trial, wants to contest for Senate

 

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has picked the All Progressives Congress nomination form for the 2027 Nigerian general elections ahead of the Kogi Central senatorial contest, despite the ongoing N80.2bn fraud against him.

Bello reportedly received the forms on Saturday and has emerged as the party’s consensus candidate for the seat.

He is expected to face the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Bello previously served two terms as governor of Kogi State before handing over to the current governor, Usman Ododo.

Active trial

The trial of Bello remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile anti-corruption cases in 2026. Following months of legal manoeuvring and initial resistance to arrest, the trial has entered a critical stage of witness testimony and evidence presentation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello on a 19-count charge primarily focused on:

Money Laundering: Allegations of laundering approximately ₦80.2 billion.

Criminal Breach of Trust: Diversion of state funds for personal gain during his eight-year tenure (2016–2024).

Foreign Assets: Alleged use of public funds to purchase properties in Abuja and abroad, including transactions linked to school fee payments for his children at the American International School Abuja.

After a period in EFCC custody, Bello was granted bail set at ₦500 million with strict conditions, including the surrender of his international passport.

Recent proceedings before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, have centred on the testimony of the 12th prosecution witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, a bureau de change operator.

A significant portion of the trial has been stalled by legal arguments over the admissibility of property-related documents and bank statements. The defence, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), has frequently challenged the EFCC’s methods of certifying evidence.

The trial was recently adjourned on April 25, 2026. The court is scheduled to resume on May 6 and 7, 2026, for the continuation of cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses.