The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared its readiness to confront former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, in court over an N8.2 billion fraud allegation.
In a statement signed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the agency affirmed that it would present comprehensive evidence against the ex-governor despite his efforts to derail the investigation.
Bello, who has yet to respond to the charges in person, is facing an 18-count indictment of money laundering. The EFCC stated that since he has refused to appear at the Commission’s office for questioning, the next legal step would be to present himself in court.
“The appropriate place of surrender would be before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where his legal team has committed to producing him,” the statement read.
The EFCC further criticized Bello for attempting to sabotage the judicial process, describing his efforts as “irresponsible and utterly rascally.”
The agency emphasized that Bello should prioritize clearing his name instead of playing the victim.
According to the statement, “Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists.”
Refuting claims of an assassination attempt made by Bello, the EFCC described the allegations as absurd.
“To even insinuate that he was the target of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC made efforts to effect his arrest at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge where he had been hiding, is preposterous,” the agency said.
They further stated that such claims were a form of “scaremongering” designed to undermine the Commission’s efforts.
Despite the ex-governor’s tactics, the EFCC remains resolute in bringing the matter to court. “The Commission remains committed to ensuring that the law takes its course in the money laundering charges already filed against Bello,” the statement noted, adding that they are prepared to present their “avalanche of evidence” in court.
The agency also pointed out that Bello has yet to formally plead to the charges. His public display of surrender on September 18, 2024, accompanied by a “retinue of security details and scripted media blitz,” was dismissed by the EFCC as a stunt.
“The true test of Bello’s willingness to abide by the law… is to present himself to the court in obedience to the order of Justice Nwite,” the EFCC stressed.
The EFCC’s statement concluded by acknowledging the public’s heightened interest in the case. “The orchestrated antics of the former governor to surrender himself to the EFCC… raised concerns and curiosity of many Nigerians who had been waiting frantically for his arrest and trial,” the Commission noted.
