By Matthew Eloyi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing 18 counts of money laundering charges totalling N80.2 billion.
Despite what the anti-graft agency described as multiple attempts by Bello to evade justice, the EFCC maintained that the former governor must have his day in court to face the charges levelled against him.
In a statement released on its verified Facebook page, the EFCC criticised Bello’s “irresponsible and rascally” efforts to obstruct justice and create diversions, including the recent claim of an assassination attempt linked to his ongoing case.
The Commission described the claim as “preposterous,” calling it a ploy to scandalise the EFCC and distract from the serious charges at hand.
Bello, who has yet to take a plea in the case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was reported to have attempted to surrender to the EFCC on September 18, 2024.
However, the EFCC rebuffed the attempt, stating that his surrender was a calculated stunt rather than a genuine submission to the law.
The agency emphasized that only Bello’s appearance in court would demonstrate his willingness to face the criminal proceedings instituted against him.
The EFCC urged Bello to prioritise clearing his name in court rather than playing the victim or seeking public sympathy through media manipulation.
The statement noted that the former governor had been hiding at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge, from which the EFCC had attempted to arrest him.
Reaffirming its stance against corruption, the Commission warned that no amount of blackmail or emotional appeals would deter it from pursuing justice.
The agency stressed that harbouring a criminal suspect is also an offence punishable by law.
The Commission highlighted its recent success in prosecuting top officials, including former ministers and governors, underscoring that Bello’s case would be treated with the same no-nonsense approach.
The EFCC assured the public of its continued commitment to tackling corruption without fear or favour.
Bello’s trial is one of several high-profile cases the EFCC is pursuing as it intensifies its crackdown on economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.