Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and his successor, Usman Ododo, paid a visit to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence on Thursday, sparking intense reactions across political circles and social media.
The unexpected meeting, captured in photos shared by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, showed the trio—who hail from different political parties—engaged in a closed-door conversation. While Wike is a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both Bello and Ododo belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although the purpose of the visit remains undisclosed, it marks the first time Bello has been publicly seen with Wike since his legal battles began nearly a year ago. The former Kogi governor, who served from May 2015 to May 2023, faces fraud and money laundering charges totaling N190 billion across two separate courts in Abuja.
In December 2024, Bello was granted bail after being detained at Kuje Custodial Centre. He currently faces a 16-count charge involving N110 billion allegedly misappropriated from Kogi State’s coffers at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama. A separate N80 billion money laundering case is ongoing at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Bello has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The timing of this meeting has drawn significant speculation, as Bello’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 29, 2025.
