The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, allegedly withdrew $720,000 from the government account to pay school fees for his child. According to EFCC boss Ola Olukoyede, Bello transferred the funds to a Bureau de Change operator to cover his child’s educational expenses in advance.
The revelation emerged as the anti-graft agency declared Bello wanted, following his absence for his arraignment on a 19-count charge.
Bello, represented by his legal team, expressed readiness to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja but cited fear of arrest as the reason for his absence. His lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, argued for setting aside the arrest order, citing procedural irregularities.
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In response, EFCC’s lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to maintain the arrest warrant until Bello appears for trial, accusing him of employing delay tactics.
Bello’s legal team contested the legality of EFCC, citing constitutional requirements for state consultation before enacting the EFCC Act.
However, EFCC maintained its stance, emphasizing the individual charges against Bello for alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The agency assured it would not execute the arrest warrant if Bello’s counsel guarantees his appearance for the next hearing.
EFCC underscored the Supreme Court’s validation of its legality and emphasized the focus on individual accountability for financial misconduct.
