The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is still “wanted” because of an N80.2 billion fraud case against him.
On September 18, 2024, the EFCC clarified that media reports saying Yahaya Bello “is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission” are wrong.
A “holding facility” is a part of a building where people accused of a crime are kept before they go to court, get released, or are moved to another place.
Earlier, Ohiare Micheal, Yahaya Bello’s media office director, said that Bello reportedly visited the EFCC in connection with the N80.2 billion fraud case.
Bello remains wanted
While the EFCC hasn’t confirmed if the former governor visited, it made clear that “Bello is not in its custody.”
“Bello, who is already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a warrant for his arrest,” the statement said.
Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, a lawyer for the EFCC, told Newslodge he “was not aware” if the former governor was in custody.
What You Should Know
Remember, the Federal High Court in Abuja did not stop the fraud case against Yahaya Bello. The ex-governor missed more than four court sessions because of legal issues his lawyers raised.
Yahaya Bello and others are accused of working together in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88 obtained through criminal activities, breaking the law under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.
The ex-governor has denied the charges
The EFCC also got a bench warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja against the former governor because he did not appear in court.
Bello’s lawyers appealed, but the trial court said the criminal case must go on according to court rules.
However, the Appeal Court stopped all proceedings in the suits filed at the Kogi State High Court by Bello and ordered him to stand trial at the Abuja High Court.
Ohiare Michael said Bello went to the EFCC after talking with his family, legal team, and political friends.
More Insights
- The EFCC and other security agencies said Bello is wanted because they can’t find or arrest him.
- The EFCC said the Kogi State government uses “immunity” to protect Bello.
- The planned court hearing for the former Kogi State governor comes as his nephew, Alli Bello, Daudu Suleiman, and another person are on trial for fraud.
- They are accused of taking public money amounting to N80.2 billion, and Bello was named as part of the scheme in some charges.