The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has denied all allegations of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor is facing a 19-count charge involving the alleged mismanagement and laundering of N80 billion. During his arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, Bello pleaded not guilty to every count.

Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the prosecution’s decision to withdraw an earlier application to fast-track the arraignment date. Pinheiro explained that the application had become unnecessary due to recent developments.

The defense team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not oppose the prosecution’s withdrawal request. Justice Emeka Nwite subsequently granted it and proceeded with the hearing.