Yahaya Bello still wanted after 3 months- EFCC

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been evading capture for 107 days after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed that Bello “remains wanted until he is arrested.” The EFCC issued the warrant on April 18, 2024, for alleged involvement in money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,089.88.

The EFCC’s attempt to apprehend Bello at his Abuja residence on April 17 was thwarted by armed men and police, with current Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo intervening to escort Bello away from the scene.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had previously issued an arrest warrant for Bello and three others on 19 counts of money laundering. Despite this, the EFCC has not been able to detain Bello, delaying his arraignment.

On June 21, PDP candidate Austin Okai alleged that Bello was hiding in the Government House in Lokoja, countering reports that he had fled the country. The EFCC continues its search, but Bello has yet to surrender.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, criticized the EFCC’s efforts, remarking, “It is surprising that despite all the efforts and drama from the EFCC, including the chairman’s vow to resign if Bello was not arrested, the man remains at large more than three months after being declared wanted. If they were serious about arresting Yahaya Bello, they would have succeeded by now. If this were a poor individual, the arrest would have been swift.”

Dele Oyewale dismissed these allegations of compromise, asserting that Bello remains wanted. “If an anti-corruption agency declares a suspect wanted, they remain wanted until they are arrested,” Oyewale stated. “Judicial processes are ongoing.”