The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday stated that former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, accused of N80.2 billion fraud, is being protected by the system.
During a familiarization visit to the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Asaba, EFCC Acting Zonal Director for the Benin Zonal Command, Mr. Effa Okim, highlighted the issue. According to The PUNCH, he emphasized that Yahaya Bello has disrespected the Nigerian justice system by failing to appear in court for trial.
The EFCC is engaged in an ongoing legal battle with Bello over the alleged N80.2 billion fraud. Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC after multiple failed attempts to arrest him and his repeated absence from court proceedings. The Nigerian Immigration Service has also placed the ex-governor on a watchlist.
When questioned on Wednesday about the EFCC’s inability to arrest Bello weeks after he was declared wanted, Okim asserted that Bello is being shielded by the system. “This is the last question I expected because the shame is on all of us. Is that a question I should answer alone? It’s not me; it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Okim remarked.
He continued, “That politically-exposed Yahaya Bello, whose crime has been traced to him by allegation and has been invited by EFCC to come and explain, and for months he is acting drama and we are all here wanting to ask questions! The shame is our own shame! Can’t we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can’t they call him and tell him, ‘You are disgracing Nigeria?’ What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done.”
Okim questioned the whereabouts of ministers and Bello’s colleagues, asking why they haven’t urged him to report to the EFCC. He criticized the system’s failure to hold Bello accountable, saying, “So, Nigerians can’t tell him ‘This is not fair, go and report; they are not going to kill you?’ But people are still eating and dining with him.”
He lamented the lack of morality and legality in summoning Bello to the EFCC, criticizing those who support him and those who criticize the commission. “The problem is our own problem that borders on Nigeria’s image. Our children are watching their parents behave like children. To me, the truth has vanished. Even in Animal Farm, this will not happen, that a man who was part of the system that was a custodian of our culture, rules and laws can behave like this and you are asking questions,” he said.
Okim concluded by urging the media to unite and criticize Bello’s actions, stating, “The media should come out for the first time to harmonize, criticize that action and forget about prosecution but tell him to make himself available; thereafter we know what to do.”