Yahaya Bello Pleads Not Guilty to EFCC's N80 Billion Money Laundering Charges

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case, which involves allegations of laundering N80 billion, was heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

During the proceedings, the EFCC's lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution's intention to withdraw an earlier application seeking to abridge the date initially set for the arraignment. Pinheiro explained that recent developments had rendered the application unnecessary.

The defense counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object to the withdrawal, and Justice Emeka Nwite approved the request, allowing the case to proceed as scheduled.

Yahaya Bello maintained his not guilty plea to all charges, underscoring his commitment to defending himself against the allegations in court.