The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly declared the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, as a wanted individual over alleged financial crimes amounting to N80 billion.
The anti-graft commission has urged anyone with pertinent information regarding Bello’s whereabouts to reach out to the commission or the nearest police station.
In an official statement, the EFCC said, “The public is hereby notified that YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO (former Governor of Kogi State), whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).
“Bello, 48-year-old Ebiraman, is a native of Okenne Local Government of Kogi State. His last known address is: 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt and Abuja offices”
Reports indicate that EFCC operatives recently surrounded Bello’s Abuja residence, prompting speculation about his whereabouts. Subsequently, Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi, purportedly visited Bello’s residence and departed with him in his vehicle.
However, Abdulwahab Muhammed, Bello’s legal representative, asserted that his client was in Kogi state when the EFCC operatives arrived at his residence.
Bello was conspicuously absent from court proceedings earlier in the day when the EFCC arraigned him. His arraignment followed the issuance of a warrant of arrest and an enrolment order granted to the EFCC by the court on Wednesday.
In response to queries regarding Bello’s case, the EFCC reiterated that no individual is above the law and assured that he would be brought to justice expeditiously.
The federal high court in Abuja has adjourned the case against Bello, Alli Bello (chief of staff to Usman Ododo), and Daudu Suleiman to April 23, pending further developments.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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