The developing scandal of the former governor of Kogi State,Yahaya Bello, webbed in money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds, and his disappearance in court on March 14, have put him on the wanted list of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. On that day, the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, with Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, A. M. Aliyu, SAN, and Olusegun Joolawo, SAN, as prosecuting and defending counsels, respectively, tried the case. Despite this, Rotimi, the prosecuting counsel, states that he filed the case on February 5, 2024, when former Governor Yahaya was at large alongside Hudu, while Ali Bello and Suleiman pleaded not guilty.
On April 18, the Federal Government enlisted the former governor on its watch to prevent him from fleeing the country. In a bid to seal this presidential directive, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Department of State Services ordered Yahaya Bello’s arrest through a circular from the former. The circular from the NIS was also shared with the Nigeria Police and the public as a matter of national importance.
Interestingly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission made a post declaring him wanted on their social handles after he escaped their barricade through the security operatives of the incumbent governor on April 17. Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the Commission, stated, “The EFCC wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the commission from carrying out their lawful duties.”
While Bello’s lawyer defended him by accusing the EFCC of breaching Bello’s fundamental rights, the AGF strongly condemned the accused’s circumlocution of the scandal. Activists, in addition, advised that the agency should let the law take its course since it’s a developing case in court. The case was, however, adjourned until April 23, 2024.
By Chidimma NWAFOR
