EXCLUSIVE: Leaked WhatsApp Messages Indicate Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Plans to Influence Judges with Bundles of Dollars

Recent reports have uncovered alarming developments involving Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, who is currently embroiled in allegations of fraud and money laundering. According to sources close to Bello, he is purportedly attempting to bribe judges presiding over his case with substantial amounts in dollars. These revelations emerged from leaked WhatsApp chats among his allies in a group titled "Only Ododo 4 Const."

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has labeled Bello as a fugitive, accusing him of misappropriating over N80 billion from public funds. Concurrently, law enforcement detained a female police officer and other security personnel who reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC custody in Abuja.

The leaked conversations include exchanges between key figures such as Evangelist Kinsley Fanwo, the former Commissioner for Information and Communications during Bello’s tenure and a current official under Governor Usman Ododo’s administration; Barr. Salami Ozigi-Deedat, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Hon. Umar Oricha Shaibu, Director General of the Kogi State Government House.

Fanwo explicitly mentioned in the chat that Bello had confided in him about his strategy to convert the bribe money into dollars, believing it would be more enticing to the judges. Fanwo quoted Bello’s assurance of having someone reliable to deliver the bribes, indicating a high level of planning and intent to subvert justice.

The discussion in the group showed a chilling confidence in their plans, with Fanwo remarking, "Even if Oga (Bello) turns himself in or not, if the money gets to the judges, we are sure of victory. The enemies will soon cry." Further affirming the plan, Abdullahi Bello, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, mentioned taking preparatory steps before an in-person meeting with the judges would occur.

These developments followed the EFCC’s legal action against Bello, where 19 criminal charges were filed against him at the Federal High Court 9 in Abuja, under the case number FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024. Dated March 9, 2024, the charges against Bello included criminal breach of trust and money laundering, listing him as the sole defendant with the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the complainant.

The EFCC accuses Bello of converting approximately N80.25 billion of Kogi State government funds to his personal use in February 2016. This act is deemed contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and is punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act. The charges also involve Bello’s alleged indirect use of individuals named Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu for the acquisition of a N950 million property located in the upscale Maitama District in Abuja, purportedly purchased with the proceeds of the crime.

These startling disclosures paint a grim picture of corruption and manipulation at high levels of government, spotlighting the urgent need for robust measures to safeguard the integrity of the judicial system in Nigeria. The community and observers await the unfolding of these events, hoping for justice to prevail despite the challenges posed by such high-profile cases.

SEE SCREENSHOTS