EFCC Finally Arrests Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Over Alleged Misappropriation of Funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently interrogating former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at its office, following his decision to honour the commission’s invitation over allegations of misappropriation of public funds.

Bello, accompanied by his lawyers, arrived at the EFCC office on Tuesday morning, a move that comes after the Supreme Court dismissed states’ cases challenging the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

The former governor, who had been evading arrest for months despite repeated attempts by the EFCC, was brought to Abuja earlier in the day by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, who then invited EFCC operatives to apprehend Bello.

This marks a significant development in the EFCC’s pursuit of the ex-governor, who has been the subject of a 19-count charge filed by the commission, primarily centered on allegations of money laundering. Bello’s arraignment has been repeatedly stalled due to his absence from court proceedings, with the EFCC alleging that he has been under the “protective custody” of the Kogi State government since being declared wanted in April.

The EFCC’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has accused Bello of withdrawing $720,000 from state coffers to prepay his child’s school fees abroad, a claim that is part of the charges against the former governor.

With Bello’s arrest now secured, the case is expected to proceed to trial, raising expectations of a major test for the EFCC’s resolve in tackling corruption among high-profile political figures in Nigeria. The development has also sparked conversations around the role of political immunity and the importance of accountability in the country’s governance.