Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ola Olukoyede asserted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, that a probe by the anti-graft agency had shown that Yahaya Bello, the embattled former governor of Kogi State, had taken $720,000 out of the state coffers to cover his child’s tuition.
According to the EFCC boss, Bello was invited to address the issues over the phone by him, but he declined the calls.
On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Olukoyede addressed editors, bureau chiefs, and media executives amidst the blazing debate and counterclaims between the EFCC and the former governor.
Olukoyede also swore to follow the prosecution of Yahaya Bello to a logical conclusion. The EFCC boss further promised to bring to book, all those who obstructed the arrest of the former governor.
Further establishing his commitment to the case, Olukoyede vowed to resign from his position as the EFCC Chairman if Yahaya Bello escapes prosecution.
“If I am not able to get Yahaya Bello, what authority will I use in future pursuits of corrupt individuals? I won’t be able to after corruption if I fail at this one. If Yahaya escapes prosecution, I will resign”, the EFCC boss said.
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello maintains that the Federal High Court in Lokoja’s February 6 ruling restricting the anti-graft agency was broken by the EFCC’s attempt to detain and prosecute him for an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
Even though the EFCC had appealed the decision, Bello pointed out that he couldn’t be taken into custody or charged until the order was revoked.
Recall that Yahaya Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, after an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him in his Abuja home. The Nigerian Immigration Service also placed him on a watchlist.
However, the ex-governor is still at large at the time of this publication.