EFCC’s manhunt for Yahaya Bello continues

Former Governor of Kogi State in Nigeria, Yahaya Bello is still evading capture by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials once again, with reports suggesting his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, always assisted in his escape.

The EFCC had surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja on Thursday in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud case.

According to sources, Governor Ododo’s immunity may have hindered the EFCC’s efforts to arrest Bello.

The EFCC has confirmed that Bello remains at large, despite previous attempts to capture him.

*Allegations Against Yahaya Bello

Bello is facing 19-count charges of money laundering, alongside three others, including Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu.

The charges allege that he laundered funds totaling N80,246,470,089.88.

*EFCC’s Ongoing Efforts

The EFCC has been working tirelessly to bring Bello to justice, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.

The commission’s operatives have been monitoring his movements, leading to the recent stakeout at the Kogi State Government Lodge.

*Court Proceedings

In a related development, Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), has requested that the court quash the arrest warrant, arguing that the substituted service of charges to Bello’s counsel has invalidated the warrant.

However, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), has urged the court to decline hearing any motions from Bello’s team until he is physically present for arraignment.

Background to the EFCC vs Yahaya Bello case:

*Case Overview

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the former Kogi State Governor and three others – Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu – on 19-count charges of money laundering.

*Allegations

The EFCC alleges that Bello and his co-defendants laundered funds totaling N80,246,470,089.88 (approximately $175 million USD) between 2016 and 2020. The commission claims that Bello:

1. Diverted Kogi State funds for personal use.
2. Used his position to award inflated contracts to cronies.
3. Laundered funds through various bank accounts and proxies.

*Investigation and Charges

The EFCC launched an investigation into Bello’s administration in 2020, following allegations of financial mismanagement. In 2023, the commission filed charges against him and his co-defendants.

*Key Charges

Some of the key charges against Bello include:

1. Conspiracy to commit money laundering.
2. Money laundering contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
3. Failure to declare assets contrary to Section 27(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.

*Court Proceedings

The case is currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja. Bello’s counsel has challenged the arrest warrant, arguing that the substituted service of charges to Bello’s counsel has invalidated the warrant.

*EFCC’s Evidence

The EFCC has gathered evidence, including:

1. Bank statements showing suspicious transactions.
2. Documents revealing inflated contracts.
3. Testimonies from witnesses.

*Bello’s Response

He has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. His counsel has argued that the EFCC’s investigation was flawed and that the charges are baseless.

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