Yahaya Bello, Usman Ododo Meet Wike in Abuja Amid Fraud Trial

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello and his successor, Usman Ododo, visited the Abuja residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday. The meeting has sparked speculation online after Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, shared photos of the visit on social media.

The visit comes as Bello faces fraud and money laundering charges in two separate courts in Abuja. While Wike is a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both Bello and Ododo belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The purpose of the meeting remains undisclosed, but it marks the first time Bello has been publicly seen with Wike since his legal troubles began nearly a year ago.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from May 2015 to May 2023, has largely stayed out of the public eye and away from his former colleagues and APC leaders since his trial began. In December 2024, he was released on bail from the Kuje Custodial Centre after being charged alongside two others in a fraud case involving N110 billion allegedly diverted from Kogi State funds. The trial, being heard at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, continues with hearings scheduled for January 29 and 30, as well as February 25 and 27, 2025.

Additionally, Bello faces separate money laundering charges amounting to N80 billion at a Federal High Court in Abuja. He has pleaded not guilty to all allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).