In a startling development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a declaration of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as wanted for alleged involvement in economic and financial crimes amounting to a staggering N80.2 billion.
According to the EFCC’s bulletin released on Thursday, individuals possessing any information regarding his whereabouts are urged to report immediately to the Commission or the nearest police station.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had slated the case against Yahaya Bello for April 23, yet the proceedings encountered a setback as the former governor failed to appear in court, as earlier reported by chroniclesReporters.
Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, expressed dismay over Bello’s absence and hinted at potential military involvement to facilitate his apprehension for arraignment.
Bello’s legal representative contended that an ex parte order obtained from a High Court granted protection against arrest and prosecution, citing ongoing legal disputes.
However, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the EFCC authorization to apprehend Bello, as reported on Wednesday.
Despite the EFCC’s plans to arraign Bello on Thursday for alleged money laundering, resistance was encountered during an attempted lawful execution of the arrest warrant. The EFCC revealed that Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, intervened and aided Bello’s departure from his residence in Abuja.
Asserting its commitment to justice, the EFCC emphasized that Bello remains accountable and will be prosecuted alongside three other suspects for 19-count charges related to money laundering.
Operatives of the EFCC had previously surrounded Bello’s residence in Wuse, Abuja, as reported by SaharaReporters.
Count one of the charges alleges Bello’s involvement in conspiring to convert N80,246,470,088.88, deemed proceeds of unlawful activity, constituting a breach of trust.
As the case unfolds, the EFCC stands resolute in its pursuit of accountability and upholding the rule of law, vowing to ensure Bello’s lawful prosecution and emphasizing that no individual is above the law.
