Crime
Why Yahaya Bello Keeps Escaping Our Chains, EFCC Explains
Eko Hot Blog reports that Effa Okim, the Acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Benin, said it has been difficult to arrest former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, due to influential figures.
Recall that the former Kogi State governor was implicated in an N80.2 billion fraud case.
During a press briefing in Asaba, Delta State, Okim responded to inquiries about Bello’s evasion of arrest, stating that the former governor is shielded by powerful allies.
“This question reflects a collective shame,” Okim said. “It’s not just my responsibility; it’s a failure of the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
He elaborated, “Yahaya Bello, who has been accused of significant financial crimes and summoned by the EFCC, continues to evade justice. Despite clear allegations and repeated invitations, he remains at large, protected by his connections.”
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Okim expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond the EFCC’s reach.
“This is the last question I expected because the shame is on all of us. Is that a question I should answer alone? It’s not me, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the EFCC zonal director said.
“That politically-exposed Yahaya Bello, whose crime has been traced to him by allegation and has been invited by EFCC to come and explain, and for months he is acting drama and we are all here wanting to ask questions! The shame is our own shame!
Okim also criticized the broader societal response, pointing out the moral decay evident in the public’s reaction.
“Can’t we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can’t they call him and tell him, ‘You are disgracing Nigeria’? What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done.
In his concluding remarks, Okim urged the media to take a unified stance against such impunity. “The media should harmonize their efforts, criticize this blatant disregard for the law, and insist that he makes himself available for questioning. Once that happens, we can proceed with the legal process.”
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