EFCC Set to Arraign Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello for N80.2bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to arraign former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Bello will face charges alongside three other suspects: Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, relating to alleged money laundering amounting to N80,246,470,088.88.

According to a statement from EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, the arraignment follows a warrant of arrest and enrollment order granted by the court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

The charges against Bello and his co-accused include conspiracy to convert unlawful proceeds, aiding in concealing funds, and indirect procurement for money laundering purposes. These charges stem from activities allegedly carried out between February 2016 and April 2022.

The EFCC’s attempt to execute the warrant of arrest faced resistance on Wednesday when security personnel surrounding Bello’s residence in Abuja were reportedly breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo. Ododo ensured Bello was taken away in an official vehicle, prompting the EFCC to exercise restraint pending his arraignment.

In response to the incident, the EFCC emphasized that Bello is not above the law and reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served.