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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, wanted for his alleged involvement in a N80.2 billion money laundering scheme. The anti-graft agency issued an arrest warrant for Bello on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, after attempts to apprehend him at his Abuja residence proved unsuccessful.
According to EFCC sources, Bello is facing a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering alongside three other suspects – Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. The arraignment is reportedly scheduled for today, April 18, before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
The EFCC has called upon the public to provide any information regarding Yahaya Bello’s whereabouts. The agency has urged anyone with such information to contact the EFCC or their nearest police station. Bello’s lawyer has, however, refuted the claims, stating that his client was not even in Abuja at the time of the attempted arrest.
This development comes amidst heightened scrutiny of alleged financial mismanagement within the Kogi State government during Bello’s tenure. The EFCC’s actions mark a significant escalation in efforts to hold Bello accountable for these accusations. It remains to be seen whether the former governor will be apprehended and face trial, and the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming days and weeks.
