Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the EFCC, declares his commitment to justice amid efforts to prosecute Bello for alleged money laundering and misappropriation of funds.
During an interactive session with media executives at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), asserted his determination to uphold accountability in the face of allegations against former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
Olukoyede made it clear that he would resign from his position if Bello evades prosecution for the N80.2 billion fraud charges levelled against him.
The charges against Bello include money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds.
According to Olukoyede, the EFCC has diligently pursued the case, with efforts to arraign Bello on 19 counts related to the alleged financial misconduct.
Despite summons to defend himself against the allegations, Bello has reportedly declined to appear before the EFCC, prompting the agency to take legal action.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the EFCC to serve a copy of the 19 criminal counts to Bello’s lawyer, as the former governor remains absent from court proceedings.
In response to Bello’s absence and apparent evasion, Justice Nwite granted the EFCC an ex-parte order to arrest and bring Bello to court for arraignment. However, Bello has since gone into hiding, complicating the legal process.
The EFCC’s investigation into Bello’s financial activities revealed transactions, including the payment of $760,910.84 in advance school fees for four children at the American International School, Abuja. Allegations of money laundering prompted the agency to seize the funds paid to the school.
Documents obtained by Newsmen detailed an agreement between Bello and the school, signed in August 2021, stipulating the advance payment of tuition fees until graduation for his children. Following this revelation, the EFCC initiated interviews with school authorities to further investigate the matter.
As the legal battle continues, Olukoyede’s commitment to holding Bello accountable underscores the EFCC’s determination to combat corruption and uphold transparency in Nigeria’s governance.
