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URGENT: EFCC Issues Wanted Notice for Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, Over Alleged N80billion Theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued an alert, calling for the public's assistance in locating Yahaya Bello, the ex-governor of Kogi State, accused of financial misconduct amounting to N80 billion. They urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to promptly inform the Commission or their local police station.

Yahaya Bello, the previous governor of Kogi State, is now on the EFCC's radar for alleged involvement in economic and financial crimes valued at N80.2 billion.

Following directives, the EFCC disclosed this information on Thursday, seeking public aid in tracking Bello's movements and advising immediate contact with either the Commission or the nearest police unit.

The legal proceedings against Yahaya Bello were deferred by the Federal High Court in Abuja until April 23.

TRENDS had disclosed how Bello's scheduled court appearance was disrupted due to his absence last Thursday.

Kemi Pinheiro, representing the EFCC, expressed frustration over Bello's failure to appear for the hearing.

The attorney highlighted the interference by an unnamed individual providing immunity, who obstructed Bello's apprehension on Wednesday by extracting him in their official car.

The possibility of enlisting military support to locate Bello for his court hearing has been mentioned by Pinheiro.

Bello's attorney contended that an interim order from a High Court was obtained by the defendant, limiting the anti-corruption body from detaining or prosecuting the former governor.

It was pointed out that an appeal against this order was filed at the Court of Appeal by the agency.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja sanctioned the arrest of the beleaguered ex-governor on Wednesday.

Ex Gov Yahaya Bello 

The Commission expressed disappointment over the obstruction faced while attempting to lawfully execute Bello's arrest warrant on Wednesday.

"It was observed that the security barrier near the former governor's Abuja home was compromised by Usman Ododo, the current Kogi State Governor, who facilitated Bello's escape in his official car. The restraint was shown by the EFCC amidst these challenges, anticipating his Thursday, April 18, 2024, arraignment.

"The EFCC emphasizes Bello's vulnerability to the law, affirming efforts to ensure his prompt legal confrontation."

The Commission, through its Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, announced that Bello, coupled with three other individuals including his cousin, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, faces 19-count charges related to money laundering summing up to N80,246,470,088.88.

Oyewale informed that Bello's prosecution follows the court's endorsement of an arrest warrant and enrolment order granted to the EFCC on Wednesday.

Accusation one detailed, “That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, along with Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu (who remains at large), in February 2016, in Abuja under this Honorable Court's jurisdiction, conspired to divert a total sum of N80,246,470,088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo), a sum which should be reasonably recognized as derived from your illegal activities, specifically, breach of trust, thus committing an offence opposite to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended.”