Former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello faces 19 fresh money laundering charges from EFCC

Former Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, is scheduled to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja today. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign him on 19 charges of alleged money laundering.

Bello is expected to stand before Justice Emeka Nwite to enter his plea. Initially, the arraignment was set for January 27 next year, but the EFCC requested an earlier date due to Bello's availability at the agency.

Sources confirm that both Bello's legal team and the EFCC have been served hearing notices to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Read:Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello and two others plead not guilty

This marks the second time the EFCC has taken Bello to court. On November 27, he appeared before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on allegations of breach of trust. During that session, he denied the 16 charges against him and asked for bail to prepare his defense.

Justice Maryann Anenih, who handled that case, set December 10 for the bail ruling. Meanwhile, Bello and two others involved were ordered to remain in EFCC custody until the ruling.