Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has become a master of dodging the long arm of the law, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues to claim he’s not in their custody. Despite being declared wanted for an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering scheme, Bello remains elusive, while his media team insists he’s been cooperating.
What They Are saying
According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, rumors that Bello is lounging in an EFCC holding facility are entirely false. The anti-graft agency assures the public that the ex-governor is still on the run, despite having a warrant out for his arrest.
“Reports circulating today about Mr. Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, being held by the EFCC are simply inaccurate,” Oyewale said on Wednesday. “Bello, who has been declared wanted by the Commission for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion, is still at large with an active warrant for his arrest.”
Bello’s media team begs to differ. In a statement issued the same day, Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, assured Nigerians that Bello had graciously honoured the EFCC’s invitation. How kind of him, right? He claims the former governor did so after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
However, Michael failed to provide any photographic evidence or further details of this supposed visit. Sounds a little fishy, doesn’t it? In a later statement, Michael doubled down, saying that Bello actually showed up at the EFCC office but was mysteriously sent away without so much as a questioning. Seriously? He walks in, they let him go, and now we’re all supposed to shrug it off? According to Michael, Bello’s successor, Usman Ododo, even accompanied him on this grand (non) interrogation.
Michael praised Bello for his “respect for the rule of law” and how the former governor has simply been seeking to enforce his fundamental rights. What rights, you ask? The right not to get interrogated for an alleged N80.2 billion scam, apparently.
“The EFCC officials told him he could leave without questioning him,” Michael stated, as though this was a perfectly normal turn of events. “We don’t know what this means yet, but HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”
Why It Matters
Let’s take a moment to digest this: a man wanted for allegedly swindling N80.2 billion, who has dodged court appearances and arrest warrants, strolls into the EFCC office and gets told, “Never mind, you’re free to go.” You can’t make this stuff up, let’s be serious in this country!
For those who need a refresher, back in April, the EFCC declared Bello wanted in connection an N80.2 billion financial crime. The anti-corruption agency even raided his residence in Abuja’s Wuse area, only for Bello to slip through their fingers, thanks to the heroic intervention of none other than his successor, Usman Ododo.
Despite multiple court adjournments, Bello has never graced the trial judge with his presence. Clearly, the former governor has better things to do. Bello’s tenure in Kogi State spanned from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, when he passed the baton to his APC colleague Ododo—who, as we now know, is also quite adept at helping his friend dodge arrests.
Bottom Line
So, while the EFCC insists they haven’t gotten their hands on Bello yet, his media team continues spinning tales of cooperation, respect for the law, and non-interrogations. All we’re left with is one burning question, When will the EFCC stop playing hide and seek with Yahaya Bello and actually hold him accountable?
