Fresh details have surfaced in the investigation of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to the anti-graft agency, Bello withdrew $720,000 from the state's accounts to prepay his child's school fees shortly before leaving office on January 27, 2024. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed this during a conversation with journalists at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja's Jabi area on Tuesday.
Olukoyede alleged that Bello transferred the funds directly from the government to a Bureau de Change operator and used it for his child's school fees in advance. He expressed disbelief at such actions, particularly in a financially challenged state like Kogi. Olukoyede emphasized his commitment to pursuing the prosecution of the former governor, vowing to resign as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted. He also pledged to hold accountable anyone who obstructed Bello's arrest.
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The EFCC aims to arraign Bello on 19 charges related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion. Olukoyede stressed that regardless of opposition or criticism, the EFCC and its personnel remain steadfast in their mission to combat corruption and uphold accountability.
Bello served as Kogi State Governor from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, before handing over to Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). On April 17, 2024, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, but he was allegedly whisked away by Ododo. Consequently, the EFCC declared Bello wanted and warned against obstructing its operations, a stance supported by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who advised Bello to surrender himself.
