The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted, following his failure to appear in court to answer charges related to money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion during his tenure as governor.
The anti-graft agency made this known on Thursday during an interview on News Central TV, signalling its resolve to bring Bello to justice despite his current fugitive status.
During the interview, EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale emphasised the agency’s determination to apprehend Bello and hold him accountable for the alleged financial crimes committed during his administration.
“The court of appeal is just to amplify the position of the commission and also to establish the fact that we are focused concerning his matter,” Oyewale stated, referring to a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which ordered Bello to appear before it for arraignment.
Oyewale further revealed that the EFCC had declared Bello wanted after multiple unsuccessful attempts to arrest him.
According to him, the agency is currently unaware of Bello’s whereabouts. “As it is now, Yahaya Bello cannot come into the open. He cannot make himself available anywhere because he has become a fugitive, and we all know the instruments of the law. Anywhere he is sighted, he would be arrested,” he added.
According to the EFCC, Bello is accused of laundering N80.2 billion during his time as the governor of Kogi State, a charge that carries significant legal consequences under Nigerian law.
The agency has also charged him with breach of trust, a crime that involves the unlawful use of public office for personal gain.
These charges come after a lengthy investigation by the EFCC, which has been monitoring Bello’s financial activities both during and after his tenure as governor.
The agency’s efforts to bring him to justice have been hampered by his elusiveness, with Bello reportedly going into hiding to avoid arrest.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling on August 20, 2024, marked a critical point in the legal battle against Bello.
The court ordered the former governor to appear for arraignment on the corruption charges brought against him by the EFCC.
This ruling reinforced the agency’s efforts to ensure that Bello faces the full weight of the law.
Legal experts note that the court’s order is a significant development, as it underscores the judiciary’s support for the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption at the highest levels of government.
During the interview, Oyewale also addressed concerns about the delays in some of the EFCC’s cases, attributing these delays to procedural issues and the commission’s strict adherence to the rule of law.
“We are collaborating with both local and international law enforcement agencies to ensure Bello’s arrest,” Oyewale stated, indicating that the EFCC is not acting in isolation but is working with a network of partners to track down Bello.
He further explained that the EFCC’s approach to handling high-profile cases is guided by the need to follow due process, even when faced with challenges such as suspects evading arrest.
“Delays in some cases brought before the commission are due to procedural issues, and our commitment to upholding the rule of law remains unwavering,” he said.
The EFCC’s pursuit of Bello is not limited to Nigeria. Oyewale highlighted that the commission is working closely with international law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend Bello.
This collaboration underscores the global nature of the fight against corruption and the importance of international cooperation in bringing fugitives to justice.
“Yahaya Bello cannot evade justice indefinitely. We are confident that with the cooperation of our international partners, he will be arrested and brought before the court to face the charges against him,” Oyewale affirmed.
The EFCC’s declaration of Bello as a wanted man has sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing frustration over the former governor’s ability to evade arrest. Some have criticized the delays in his prosecution, while others have praised the EFCC for its persistence in pursuing the case despite the challenges.
