Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to 19 charges leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges relate to an alleged N80 billion money laundering case.

During Friday’s hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw a prior application seeking an earlier arraignment date. Pinheiro explained that the application was no longer relevant due to recent developments.

The defense team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, raised no objections, and Justice Emeka Nwite granted the prosecution's request. The case now proceeds to the next stage in court.

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