Kenya, Feb. 25 -- Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is in the news because of his trial with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is facing serious charges, including stealing about N80 billion, which has caused a lot of talk all over Nigeria.

On Tuesday, Bello went to court in Abuja for his latest hearing. Many people came to watch, and this has started new discussions about fairness and justice in Nigeria's politics.

Since leaving office in January 2024, Bello has been in the spotlight for various reasons. He is accused of 18 counts of money laundering and misusing public funds.

His latest visit to the court included a tense moment outside when activist Omoyele Sowore tried to enter but was stopped by security guards. Sowore, who is known for speaking against corruption, criticised the guards for protecting powerful people. This incident got a lot of attention online.

Bello's legal troubles have been quite dramatic. He avoided arrest for several months, leading the EFCC to declare him wanted in April 2024. He turned himself in November and was later granted bail in December.

People online have mixed feelings about the situation. Some are upset, saying that it seems Bello is getting special treatment despite being accused of stealing from the state.

One person expressed frustration, saying, "Instead of being criticised for his actions, Yahaya Bello is being celebrated and protected."

Earlier this month, Bello denied claims that he threatened President Bola Tinubu, calling the report "nonsense" and saying he would take legal action against the news source.

His successor, Governor Usman Ododo, is also facing criticism for allegedly helping Bello avoid arrest. This has led to arguments among supporters and opponents regarding Ododo's reputation.

In court, the EFCC is trying to prove that Bello took billions of naira for himself.

They allege he made advance payments of $845,000 to a school in Abuja for his children's education. Bello has said he is not guilty, and everyone is waiting to see what will happen next in the trial.

As of Tuesday evening, there were no updates from Bello's team or the EFCC about the court hearing, leaving people to guess on social media what might come next.

This situation has opened up larger discussions about corruption, leadership, and justice in Nigeria. Bello's name has become popular in searches as many Nigerians think about what his case means for the country.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.