Recent developments have shed light on the ongoing investigation into the actions of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the anti-graft agency, Bello is alleged to have withdrawn $720,000 from the state’s accounts to prepay his child’s school fees just before leaving office on January 27, 2024.
Speaking to journalists at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Chief Ola Olukoyede revealed that Bello transferred the funds from the state coffers to a Bureau de Change operator for this purpose.
Olukoyede expressed incredulity at the move, highlighting the disparity between such actions and the socio-economic conditions in a state like Kogi.
“A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to Bureau de Change (and) used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance,” Olukoyede stated, emphasizing the sum involved and the implications for governance and accountability.
Olukoyede emphasized his commitment to ensuring the thorough prosecution of Bello, asserting that he would resign as EFCC chairman if the ex-governor is not brought to justice.
Also, he pledged to hold accountable those who obstructed the arrest of Bello during a recent operation at his residence in Abuja.
The EFCC is pursuing charges against Bello relating to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.
Despite potential challenges and attacks against the agency, Olukoyede affirmed his resolve and that of his team to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption in Nigeria.
Yahaya Bello served as the governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, until January 27, 2024, when he handed over leadership to Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Efforts by EFCC operatives to apprehend Bello on April 17, 2024, were reportedly thwarted when Ododo intervened and allegedly facilitated Bello’s escape.
In response, the EFCC declared Bello wanted and warned against any further obstruction of its operations, a stance supported by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who urged Bello to surrender himself to the authorities.
