ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello, wanted, for alleged crimes of money laundering of N80 billion from the state treasury.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the commission had laid siege to arrest the former governor and attempt to prosecute him in court for his alleged crimes during his eight years as governor of the state.
The anti-graft agency in a statement on Thursday April 18, 2024, 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 an alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88.
“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.”
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello To Tinubu: Warn EFCC, Attempt To Arrest Me Recipe For Anarchy
Voiceofnaija.ng reported Wednesday that officers of the EFCC, alongside armed security personnel, had barricaded Bello’s Abuja home, blocked both entrances to his residence located at Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, at about 9:00 a.m.
According to a statement released on Wednesday night and signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the agency said that there was strong opposition at Bello’s apartment when the Commission tried to carry out the legally acquired arrest warrant against him.
The anti-graft agency also, said that the Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo made sure Bello was driven away in his official car.
During his arraignment in court on Thursday, Bello absconded trial at the federal high court in Abuja, and Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Phinro, informed the court that Bello’s absence in court was a strategy to frustrate his hearing.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also urged the former Kogi governor to surrender himself to law enforcement officials to face alleged corruption charges.