Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Arrested by EFCC

Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Arrested by EFCC Over Alleged N80bn Fraud

Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and is set to be arraigned in court on charges of misappropriating N80.2 billion.

Bello, who had been in hiding since April 2024, was apprehended on Tuesday at approximately 12:55 p.m. at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. The arrest followed months of evasion, during which the former governor ignored multiple summonses and was consequently declared wanted by the anti-graft agency on April 18, 2024.

Contrary to claims that Bello voluntarily surrendered, EFCC operatives confirmed that his arrest was a tactical operation based on extensive intelligence gathering. “The notion that he drove himself to the EFCC is false,” a detective disclosed. “If that were true, he would have likely come with the current governor, Usman Ododo. He was apprehended by our operatives after months of evasion.”

The EFCC has accused Bello of money laundering and mismanagement of state funds, leading to his trial in absentia. Despite being summoned earlier this year, the former governor failed to appear in court, prompting the commission to initiate fresh charges against him.

The case, currently before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, was last heard on November 14, 2024. The court adjourned proceedings to November 27 after the EFCC requested additional time to advance its case. According to the commission, the 30-day legal window provided to Bello under earlier summonses is still active.

At the time of his detention, Bello was being interrogated by EFCC detectives regarding the allegations of fraud. The agency has assured the public that all arrangements are in place for his court appearance to ensure accountability and justice.