EFCC to Investigate Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello for Alleged Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to launch a probe into the financial activities of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Bello, who recently concluded an eight-year tenure, is facing allegations of fraud and corrupt practices during his time in office.

As Bello’s immunity expired with the conclusion of his term, the EFCC is poised to invite him for questioning regarding his administration’s financial dealings. Daily Times reports that the commission is considering charges related to money laundering and financial breaches during Bello’s tenure as Kogi State’s executive governor.

Following the end of his term, Bello’s successor, Usman Ododo, assumed office last Saturday. However, the former governor’s legal immunity was a subject of contention when Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, recently struck out a suit seeking the forfeiture of 14 properties and N400 million linked to Bello.

The EFCC, dissatisfied with the ruling, filed a notice of appeal, arguing that Bello’s immunity does not extend to properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The commission contends that the court erred in not adhering to established legal precedents on the interpretation of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

In a significant development on February 22, 2023, Justice Oweibo granted an interim forfeiture of properties in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside the preservation of N400 million recovered from Aminu Falala. These assets were deemed to be connected to unlawful activities and intended for the acquisition of specific properties, including one in Dubai.

Rotimi Oyedepo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and counsel to the EFCC, presented the case, and Justice Oweibo granted the motion as requested. The court ordered the Commission to publish the interim order in a national newspaper within 14 days, with the case adjourned to March 28, 2023.