Breaking News: EFCC declares Former Gov of Kogi Yahaya Bello wanted
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted. This declaration is related to allegations of financial crimes amounting to N80.2 billion. Specifically, the charges include offences relating to economic and financial crimes. The EFCC made this announcement public on Thursday, April 18, 2024, through its official Facebook page and other social media platforms.
The commission has appealed to the general public to provide any information regarding Bello’s whereabouts to the nearest Police Station or the EFCC itself. The announcement mentioned that Bello is wanted in connection with an alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty billion, two hundred and forty-six million, four hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-nine naira, eighty-eight kobo).
There was a notable standoff at Bello’s residence in Abuja on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, where operatives from the EFCC, Department of State Services, Police, and other security agencies attempted to arrest him. However, Bello was reportedly smuggled out of his house by his successor, Usman Ododo, leading to a situation where security operatives had to shoot into the air to try and force Bello out of the governor’s car.
The EFCC has warned that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. The situation has drawn significant attention, with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, calling on Bello to follow the path of decency and submit himself for investigation.
