Kogi’s Former Governor Yahaya Bello Plans Escape to North Africa Amidst EFCC Probe – Report

Sahara Reporters has uncovered a scheme by the embattled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to flee the country amidst an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sources close to the situation disclosed that Bello, aged 48, intends to seek refuge in a North African country where one of his wives currently resides, managing their purported investments.

According to reliable family sources, Bello possesses dual citizenship, including passports from the said North African nation and an Arab country, where he allegedly holds significant investments, possibly amounting to multi-million dollars. The ex-governor, notorious for his controversial tenure marked by allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption, reportedly aims to evade the EFCC’s pursuit and impending legal actions.

Amidst mounting accusations of maladministration and neglect in Kogi State during Bello’s tenure, voices have emerged accusing his administration of widespread corruption, nepotism, and a lack of basic infrastructure development across the state. These claims paint a grim picture of Bello’s governance, suggesting a legacy tarnished by alleged mismanagement and oppression.

Furthermore, recent developments indicate a coordinated effort to prevent Bello’s escape, with the Nigerian police detaining his close aides, including his female police aide-de-camp (ADC), for allegedly aiding his evasion from EFCC operatives. The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued a directive for their apprehension, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

This latest revelation follows a series of events wherein EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, only to be thwarted by the intervention of the current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo. Bello’s absence from court proceedings, coupled with the issuance of a warrant for his arrest, has intensified the pursuit by law enforcement agencies.

In response to these developments, the EFCC has escalated its efforts to prevent Bello’s flight, urging all security agencies to place him on a watchlist to prevent his departure from the country via any means. The Nigerian Immigration Service has also been instructed to apprehend Bello should he attempt to leave, citing ongoing investigations and suspicions of evasion.

As the saga unfolds, the fate of Yahaya Bello hangs in the balance, with authorities tightening their grip in a bid to hold him accountable for alleged financial crimes amounting to billions.