The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Wednesday, arraigned one Ali Bello, said to be a nephew of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello was arraigned alongside Abba Adauda, Yakubu Adabenege, Iyada Sadat, and Rashida Bello, said to be at large.
The defendants were arraigned on 18 counts bordering on criminal misappropriation and money laundering to the tune of N3,081,804,654.00.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In view of their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to give a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case.
However, defence counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), prayed the court to grant his client bail pending the hearing and determination of the case.
In a ruling, Justice Egwuatu ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre pending the determination of the bail applications.
The case was adjourned till February 13.
