Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, currently embroiled in legal battles over alleged money laundering and fraud, paid a visit to the Abuja residence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday. Bello was accompanied by his successor, Usman Ododo.

The visit, which brought together politicians from opposing parties, has sparked conversations online. Photos shared on social media by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, captured the meeting.

While Wike is a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), both Bello and Ododo are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Although the purpose of the visit remains undisclosed, it marks the first time Bello has been seen publicly with Wike since his legal troubles began a year ago.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from May 2015 to May 2023, has largely stayed out of the public eye and has not been seen with APC chieftains or former colleagues during this period.

The ex-governor is currently facing two separate court cases in Abuja. In one case, Bello and two others are accused of diverting N110 billion from the Kogi State treasury. He pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was granted bail in December 2024 after being remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre. The case is scheduled for hearings on January 29 and 30, as well as February 25 and 27, 2025.

Additionally, Bello faces separate money laundering charges involving N80 billion at the Federal High Court in Abuja.