High-ranking members of Nigeria’s legal community, including a retired Supreme Court justice and over a dozen Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), hailed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello with a public goodwill message and a banner, despite his ongoing corruption trials involving over N190 billion.
The birthday message, published on a flashy newspaper page described Bello as a “remarkable public servant”. The message noted his contributions to governance and public service during his time as the governor of Kogi.
Nigeria’s leading anti-graft agency has investigated Bello and accused him of unprecedented levels of public funds looting in Kogi.
The group of senior lawyers commended Bello’s “respect for the rule of law” and his “youthful energy”, and said he remained an influential figure in national politics.
Those who signed the message included Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki (JSC Rtd), Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), Professor Musa Yakubu (SAN, OFR), E. C. Ukala (SAN), Dr Alex A. Innyon (SAN, OFR), M. B. Adoka (CFR, SAN), B. A. M. Aliyu (SAN), Ibrahim Sanni Muhammed (SAN), Aliyu Saiki (SAN), Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN), A. A. Adeniyi (SAN), M. Y. Abdullahi (SAN), Dayo Bello (SAN), Professor Marietu Tenuche and J. A. M. Ohiani.
The birthday message circulated on June 18, 2025, is coming despite ongoing corruption trials involving the former governor.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello in two separate corruption cases. In one case, the Commission accuses Bello of conspiring with others to divert over N80 billion in public funds shortly after assuming office in 2016.
The EFCC initially stated that the funds were misappropriated in September 2015, but later amended the charge to reflect a February 2016 timeline.
In a separate case, the EFCC accused Bello of laundering an additional N110 billion during his time in office. The Commission said some of the funds were used to purchase properties in Abuja, with payments allegedly made through cash and bureau de change transactions.
A witness told the court that a property in Maitama was sold for N950 million and paid for in United States dollars. The Commission also said it presented documents indicating transfers of over $500,000 to foreign bank accounts allegedly used for personal expenses, including school fees. Another charge involves the concealment of N3.08 billion between 2021 and 2022.
Bello did not appear in court during initial hearings, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant. He was later served the charges through his lawyer. In December 2024, the court granted him bail with a N500 million bond and two sureties.
The trial has continued at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the EFCC has presented multiple witnesses and documentary evidence. One recent hearing was adjourned to allow further questioning of a witness concerning a financial document tied to one of the charges.
Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains on bail pending the outcome of the trials. Court proceedings are scheduled to resume later in June and July 2025.
The birthday message and list of signatories have drawn public attention due to the ongoing legal proceedings. However, no law prevents individuals, including legal practitioners, from issuing goodwill messages to persons under investigation or facing trial. Bello served as governor of Kogi State from January 2016 to January 2024.
The EFCC says it is continuing its investigation and prosecution in line with its mandate. The court will determine the outcome of the cases based on the evidence presented.
In addition to the message from senior legal figures, the Presidency also issued a goodwill message to mark Bello’s birthday.
The president’s statement did not reference the ongoing legal matters. It praised Bello’s public service and leadership during his tenure as governor.
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