Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Now on the Run, Gathers Various Groups and Produces Banners for Upcoming Protest Against EFCC

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, aged 48, is reportedly orchestrating a series of protests against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

This follows the anti-graft agency's actions in declaring him wanted due to his absence at the scheduled arraignment, where he faces a 19-count charge involving criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

According to reliable sources, Bello, who is currently evading arrest, is allegedly funding a campaign to discredit the EFCC as he faces legal battles. A video Surfaced showing several banners being prepared for what is termed a “solidarity” protest. The banners display messages accusing the EFCC of losing credibility and engaging in political witch hunts, asserting slogans like "Gov. Bello: EFCC Losing Credibility," "Save Nigerian's Democracy, Remove the bad eggs!" and "No Justice in witch-hunt."

Further banners stress the importance of due legal process and judicial independence with statements such as "Fighting corruption illegally is corruption!" "Follow due process of the law," and "An independent judiciary is better justice." They call for respect for Bello’s rights and criticize the EFCC's methods, suggesting that the agency might be acting as a tool for political adversaries.

The specific location where these protest materials are being printed remains unconfirmed, though it is suggested they are being produced in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

This development follows recent legal maneuvers involving Bello, with the EFCC filing charges against him on March 9, 2024. The filed documents at the Federal High Court 9, Abuja, under charge FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, accuse Bello of diverting approximately N80.25 billion of Kogi State funds for personal use in February 2016—a violation under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. Moreover, the charges include allegations of Bello indirectly facilitating the use of N950 million, considered proceeds of crime, to purchase a property in the upscale Maitama District of Abuja.

Tensions escalated on April 17 when EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend Bello at his Abuja residence, a move thwarted by Governor Ahmed Ododo's intervention. Subsequently, a Kogi State Court issued a restraining order against the EFCC's arrest efforts following a fundamental human rights suit. However, in a contrasting decision, the Federal High Court, led by Justice Emeka Nwite, mandated an immediate arrest to ensure Bello's presence in court on April 18.

Despite these court orders, Bello did not appear for his trial, prompting the EFCC to intensify its efforts by notifying all security bodies, including the Immigration Service, to watch for Bello to prevent any potential flight from justice.

These unfolding events highlight a complex battle involving alleged high-level corruption, legal strategies, and political maneuvers, illustrating the challenges faced in upholding accountability within Nigeria's governance structures.