Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Leads Legal Team As EFCC Charges Yahaya Bello With 19 Counts of Financial Crimes

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought forth a 19-count charge against former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello in the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division.

The charges, dated 6th March, allege that Bello, along with several associates, engaged in money laundering and misappropriation of funds totaling over N80 billion.

The first count accuses Bello and his associates of conspiring to convert N80,246,470,089.88, which they allegedly knew was part of proceeds from unlawful activities, specifically criminal breach of trust. Subsequent counts detail various instances where Bello allegedly procured others to acquire properties using funds ranging from N60 million to N950 million, all believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Counts 11 and 18 extend the charges beyond Nigeria’s borders, alleging that Bello procured associates to acquire a property in Dubai, U.A.E., and transfer $570,330 to a U.S. bank account, respectively. The funds in both instances were alleged to be proceeds of criminal breach of trust.

The final count accuses Bello of indirectly procuring several companies to transfer $556,265 to a U.S. bank account, funds alleged to be proceeds of criminal misappropriation.

The charges have been filed by a team of legal representatives led by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, FCIArb, and including several other senior advocates and legal practitioners. The case is set to proceed in the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Judicial Division, and could have significant implications for the former governor and his associates if the charges are proven.

Charges:
1. Conspiracy to convert N80,246,470,089.88, proceeds of unlawful activity (criminal breach of trust).

2. Procuring others to acquire a property at No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja, with N950,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

3. Procuring others to acquire a property at No. 1160, Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja, with N100,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

4. Procuring others to acquire a property at No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja, with N920,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

5. Procuring others to acquire a property at block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with N170,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

6. Procuring others to acquire a property at No. 1773 Guzape District, Abuja, with N100,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

7. Procuring others to acquire a property at Plot A 02/176 Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja, with N100,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

8. Procuring others to acquire a property at Plot 739 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, with N66,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

9. Procuring others to acquire a property at Plot No. 2934A Cadastral Zone A06, Maitama District, Abuja, with N550,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

10. Procuring others to acquire a property at Plot No. 1058, Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2, Abuja, with N650,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

11. Procuring others to acquire a property at Burj Khalifa, Dubai, U.A.E., with 5,698,888 Dirhams, proceeds of unlawful activity.

12. Procuring others to acquire a property at block 18 (337) flat B Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with N60,000,000.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

13. Procuring others to renovate a property at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with N310,443,450.00, proceeds of unlawful activity.

14. Procuring others to conceal N212,500,000.00 in custody of Rabiu Musa Tafada Global Ventures, proceeds of unlawful activity.

15. Procuring others to conceal N84,700,000.00 in custody of Rabiu Musa Tafada Global Ventures, proceeds of unlawful activity.

16. Procuring others to conceal N100,000,000.00 in custody of Rabiu Musa Tafada Global Ventures, proceeds of unlawful activity.

17. Aiding E-Traders International Limited to conceal N3,081,804,654.00 in an Access Bank account, proceeds of unlawful activity.

18. Procuring E-Traders International Limited to transfer $570,330.00 to a U.S. bank account, proceeds of unlawful activity.

19. Procuring various companies to transfer $556,265 to a U.S. bank account, proceeds of unlawful activity (criminal misappropriation).