The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja.
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who had allegedly been in hiding since April 2024, was finally apprehended and brought to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday around 12:55 p.m.
recall that the EFCC declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, after he failed to respond to multiple invitations, leading to his trial in absentia.
Contrary to claims that Bello voluntarily turned himself in, EFCC operatives clarified that his arrest was a strategic operation. Speaking with our correspondent, a detective stated, “You think that man (Yahaya Bello) was ready to face court? Our tactical operatives apprehended him based on substantial intelligence. The claim that he drove himself here is baseless. If he had willingly surrendered, wouldn’t he have been accompanied by the incumbent governor, Mr. Usman Ododo? That narrative should be dismissed.”
Bello faces serious money laundering charges linked to an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud. Fresh charges have been filed against him before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The matter, initially heard on November 14, was adjourned to November 27 following a request by EFCC counsel for additional time to proceed with the case. The EFCC emphasized that the 30-day window given to Bello, as stipulated by law regarding previous court summons, is still active.
