Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has recently paid a visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This is related to an ongoing case where he is accused of being involved in an N80.2 billion fraud.
Ohiare Michael, who works for Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, shared this information on Friday, September 18, 2024, through a Facebook statement.
Earlier, the Federal High Court in Abuja decided not to pause the fraud case against Bello, even though there were over four court meetings where Bello didn’t show up due to arguments from his lawyers.
The EFCC Fraud Case
Yahaya Bello and others are charged with converting N80,246,470,088.88 back in February 2016. This money was allegedly taken in a dishonest way. This act goes against the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and can bring a serious punishment.
Bello has said he is not guilty of these charges.
The EFCC got an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja because Bello was not coming to court. His lawyers tried to fight this, but the court said the case must go on.
Different court sessions in the Appeal Court agreed that Bello should still face trial in Abuja.
What Bello is Saying
Ohiare Michael mentioned that Bello went to the EFCC after talking with his family, lawyers, and political friends.
“The former governor believes in following the law and has always wanted to make sure his rights are respected,” he said.
He also said that the case is being handled by a proper court and that Bello’s lawyers are always there.
“It’s important for the former governor to now talk to the EFCC to clear his name. He has nothing to hide or be afraid of,” Michael stated.
“Bello supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to develop Nigeria and fight corruption. He was the first governor in Kogi State to set up a system to stop corruption and make sure the state’s money is used for the people,” he explained.
“He went to the EFCC Headquarters with well-known people from Nigeria,” Michael added.
Michael is hopeful that the EFCC will do its job well and respect Bello’s rights as a Nigerian citizen.
Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, a lawyer for the EFCC, told Newslodge that he did not know if Bello was in custody at the time of this report.
More Information
The EFCC and other security agencies have declared Bello wanted because they couldn’t find him or arrest him.
The EFCC said that Bello was using his position as governor to avoid being arrested.
This new case comes while Bello’s nephew, Alli Bello, Daudu Suleiman, and another person are also facing fraud charges.
They are accused of stealing N80.2 billion from public funds. Yahaya Bello is mentioned in some parts of this case as well.