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Corruption Allegations Engulf Former Kogi Governor, Aide-de-Camp Arrested

Published

8 months ago

Apr 20, 2024.

Corruption Allegations Engulf Former Kogi Governor, Aide-de-Camp Arrested

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello wanted by EFCC for alleged money laundering of over N80 billion
Bello’s aide-de-camp and security details arrested for aiding his escape from EFCC
Current Kogi Governor Usman Ododo accused of helping Bello evade arrest

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its pursuit of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, who is wanted for alleged money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88.

The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted and arraigned him in absentia before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 19-count charges of money laundering.

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In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Police Force has detained Bello’s female aide-de-camp (ADC) and other police officers attached to him.

They are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja on suspicion of aiding and abetting Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives who attempted to arrest him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.

“The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained. They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday,” one senior police source told PUNCH.

The arrests and detentions followed a directive from the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordering the immediate withdrawal of all police officers attached to the former governor.

Compounding the situation, the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, is alleged to have played a role in Bello’s escape. According to PUNCH reports, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence with heavy security, and at around 4:20 pm, “Ododo’s entourage drove out with Bello in the governor’s car.” Shortly after, the EFCC operatives laying siege to Bello’s home retreated from the scene.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that “the commission’s attempt to execute a warrant of arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle.”

Corruption Allegations Engulf Former Kogi Governor, Aide-de-Camp Arrested

In response to these allegations, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Usman, has called for Ododo’s suspension by the party’s leadership. Usman described Ododo’s action as an impeachable offense, stating “As far as I am concerned, if proven, that constitutes an impeachable offense. I think our party should have made a pronouncement to suspend the governor from the party until this thing is brought under control.”

Meanwhile, Bello’s media office has accused the EFCC of persecution and filing the same charges in three different courts. Their statement read in part, “Looking at the curious and endless scenarios of duplicated charges, cross-charges, counter and frivolous charges, it has become crystal clear that the whole onslaught is nothing but a desperate political witch-hunt of the immediate past governor.”

As the situation unfolds, the Federal Government has placed Bello on a watch list, and the Nigeria Immigration Service has been directed to arrest him if seen at any entry or exit point. The case has raised concerns about the abuse of court processes and prosecutorial powers by the EFCC, with Bello’s media office alleging that “the abuse of court processes and prosecutorial powers by the EFCC is assuming a dangerous dimension.”

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