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Court Drama as Yahaya Bello and Co-Defendants Face Fraud Charges .Abuja — Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello stood amidst chaos in the courtroom on Wednesday, taking charge of an unruly crowd after Justice Maryann Anenih abruptly left in frustration.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court had barely commenced hearing a ₦110.4 billion fraud case against Bello and his co-defendants when the tension boiled over, turning the proceedings into a spectacle.Bello, along with co-defendants Shuabu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, faced accusations of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy. All pleaded not guilty.

Their fate now hangs on a bail application, with Justice Anenih ordering their remand at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) facility until December 10, when a ruling is expected.The allegations stem from Bello’s tenure as Kogi State Governor. Prosecutors say he and his co-defendants conspired to misappropriate public funds.

The charges were read aloud, each one met with a firm "not guilty" from the defendants. J.B. Daudu, SAN, representing the defense, argued for bail, pointing to Bello’s voluntary court appearance as a sign of his respect for the law. "The principle of innocence until proven guilty must guide this court," Daudu insisted. EFCC counsel Kemi Piniero, SAN, countered the bail plea, accusing the defense of jumping the gun.

"Bail applications must follow arraignment," he argued. "This preemptive filing disrespects court procedures." The judge acknowledged the submissions and deferred her decision. The case has been anything but straightforward. On October 3, the court issued a summons for Bello after multiple no-shows. Legal disputes tied up proceedings, with higher courts intervening. Ultimately, the Court of Appeal compelled Bello to appear for arraignment.

EFCC investigators have been relentless. Bello was interrogated at their headquarters on Tuesday, following accusations that Kogi State's government had exploited immunity clauses to shield him. As the legal battle unfolds, the spotlight remains fixed on Bello. His fall from the governorship to the defendant’s dock paints a grim picture, one that has captured national attention.

Justice, however, moves deliberately. The next act in this courtroom drama resumes on December 10. Until then, Bello and his co-defendants wait behind EFCC walls, the weight of ₦110.4 billion hanging heavily in the air.

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