New details have emerged regarding the investigation into the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the anti-graft commission, Bello withdrew $720,000 from the state’s accounts to pay his child’s school fees in advance just before leaving office on January 27, 2024. EFCC chief Ola Olukoyede revealed this information during a conversation with journalists at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede alleged that Bello transferred the money from the state coffers to a Bureau de Change operator and used it for his child’s school fees.
He expressed his disbelief at a sitting governor engaging in such actions, especially considering the financial state of Kogi. Olukoyede emphasized his commitment to pursuing the prosecution of the ex-governor and stated that he would resign as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted.
He also promised to hold accountable anyone who obstructed the arrest of the former governor. The EFCC aims to arraign Bello on 19 counts related to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.
He mentioned that regardless of the actions taken by anyone or the frequency of attacks against the anti-corruption agency, he and his team would persist in their efforts to cleanse the nation.
Bello served as the governor of Kogi State until January 27, 2024, when he passed the baton to a fellow APC member, Usman Ododo.
On April 17, 2024, the EFCC conducted a raid on Bello’s residence in Abuja with the intention of arresting him, but Ododo intervened and reportedly helped his predecessor evade capture.
Subsequently, the EFCC issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest, emphasizing that any hindrance to their operations would not be tolerated, a stance supported by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
Fagbemi advised Bello to surrender himself to the authorities to address the allegations against him.
In the midst of legal proceedings, the EFCC delivered a copy of the charges related to an alleged $80 billion fraud to Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed, following a court order due to Bello’s absence during the proceedings.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja invoked legal provisions to allow for the charges to be served through alternative means when personal service was not feasible.
Despite initial reluctance, Bello’s lawyer, Mohammed, was compelled by the court to accept the charges and evidence on behalf of the former governor, rejecting the request for a junior lawyer to handle the matter.
