The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over allegations of misappropriating public funds. The EFCC confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that Bello is being held at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi District, Abuja.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest to journalists. “It is true that we have him in our custody. The operatives of the commission arrested him,” Oyewale stated.
Bello, accompanied by his lawyers, voluntarily appeared at the EFCC headquarters to respond to allegations of financial misconduct after months of avoiding previous invitations. His successor, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who had previously accompanied him to the EFCC office, was absent this time.
The former governor faces allegations of laundering N80.2 billion during his time in office. In April 2024, the EFCC issued a warrant declaring him wanted in connection with these charges.
At the last court hearing on November 14, the EFCC requested an adjournment to November 27, citing a 30-day window for Bello to respond to the summons issued against him. Meanwhile, Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were granted administrative bail.
A crack team of EFCC investigators is handling Bello’s case as the commission moves forward with its probe into the alleged embezzlement. Sources indicate that Bello is likely to be arraigned in court on Wednesday to face charges related to money laundering and other financial crimes.
Bello’s detention marks a significant development in the EFCC’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for financial misconduct. The case has drawn widespread attention, given the scale of the alleged funds involved and the former governor’s initial reluctance to appear before the commission.
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The EFCC’s pursuit of Bello underscores its commitment to tackling corruption and upholding financial accountability in Nigeria. As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians await further details on the legal proceedings and the potential implications for the former governor.
With Bello’s arraignment imminent, the EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing the case to its conclusion. The commission has called for transparency and integrity in governance, emphasizing the need for accountability from public officeholders.
This development serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial processes in addressing corruption allegations and reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s institutions.