The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially taken Yahaya Adoza Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, into custody. This follows a prolonged investigation and legal summons concerning alleged financial misconduct.
Yahaya Bello Responds to EFCC Invitation
According to Bello’s team, the former governor willingly responded to an earlier invitation from the EFCC. He appeared at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, accompanied by his legal representatives.
The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development, stating that Bello was taken into custody at 12:54 PM today. When asked whether Bello voluntarily presented himself, Oyewale said, “Suffice to say that we arrested him at 12:54 PM, and he is in our custody right now.”
Charges Against Yahaya Bello
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja, had issued a public summons on October 3. The summons required Yahaya Bello to appear before the court to answer to a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/778/24, accuses the former governor of a criminal breach of trust involving N110,446,470,089, among other allegations. Bello faces these charges alongside two co-defendants, Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu.
Bello was initially ordered to appear in court on October 24. However, he failed to comply, leading to an extension of the summons to November 14. Despite this, he did not appear on the revised date either.
During the most recent court session, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro informed Justice Anenih that the 30-day validity of the public summons would expire on November 17. He explained that while the summons remained valid, the prosecution could not proceed with taking the defendants’ pleas until the timeframe lapsed.
Agoro added that the former governor was expected to appear at the next adjourned hearing. Should Bello fail to show up again, the EFCC would pursue further legal measures.
EFCC Requests Court to Extend Summons
Agoro also requested the court to extend the timeframe for Bello’s appearance. In addition, he sought an order allowing the hearing notice to be pasted at Bello’s last known address: Number 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
Next Steps in Yahaya Bello’s Case
Justice Maryanne Anenih has adjourned the case to Wednesday, November 27. The EFCC is expected to provide updates on Yahaya Bello’s compliance with the court’s directives.
Allegations Against Yahaya Bello
The charges against Yahaya Bello primarily center on a criminal breach of trust involving over N110 billion. The EFCC alleges that the funds, which were entrusted to him during his tenure as governor, were misappropriated.
Legal Implications for the Former Governor
If found guilty, the former governor and his co-defendants could face severe penalties under Nigerian law. The EFCC continues to emphasize its commitment to combating corruption, regardless of the status or position of those involved.
Yahaya Bello’s arrest and ongoing legal case highlight the EFCC’s efforts to ensure public officials are held accountable. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in governance.
As the court proceedings unfold, all eyes will remain on Yahaya Bello’s next actions and the potential impact on his political career. The EFCC’s resolve to pursue justice reinforces its role in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
