The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the detention of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, following allegations of misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
Bello voluntarily appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday after months of avoiding summons by the anti-graft agency.
Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, confirmed the development during a press briefing. According to Oyewale, the former governor was taken into custody after reporting to the Commission’s office. “It is true that we have him in our custody. The operatives of the Commission arrested him,” Oyewale stated.
The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, in connection with charges related to money laundering and financial mismanagement. Despite numerous invitations, the former governor had failed to honor them until his appearance on Tuesday.
Bello arrived at the EFCC office accompanied by his legal team to address the allegations. However, Governor Usman Ododo, his successor in Kogi State, who had visited the EFCC with Bello during a prior engagement, was notably absent from the entourage this time.
The case against Bello revolves around allegations of large-scale financial impropriety during his tenure as governor. The EFCC has been investigating claims that funds earmarked for developmental projects in the state were diverted under his administration.
