The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has declared his intention to resign if former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello avoids prosecution for the alleged N80.2 billion fraud. Olukoyede made this statement during an interactive session with media executives at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede expressed his strong commitment to accountability and the rule of law, emphasizing the necessity of moving forward as a nation. He revealed details of Bello’s case, including accusations of direct money transfers to bureau de change and prepayment of school fees in dollars for his child.
Despite extending a personal invitation for Bello to defend himself against the allegations, the former governor declined. The EFCC has been actively pursuing Bello on 19 counts related to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds.
In a recent development, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the EFCC to serve a copy of the 19 criminal counts against Bello to his lawyer. The judge issued this directive due to Bello’s absence in court for his arraignment, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Attorney Abdulwab Mohammed, SAN, announced an unconditional appearance for Bello, and he was directed to receive the charge on behalf of his client.
