The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, disclosed on Tuesday that the agency’s investigation revealed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, withdrew $720,000 from state funds to pay his child’s school fees.
Speaking at the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Olukoyede addressed editors, Bureau Chiefs, and media executives amid ongoing controversies between the EFCC and the ex-governor.
Bello has claimed that the EFCC’s attempt to arrest and prosecute him for an alleged N80.2 billion fraud violated a Federal High Court order issued on February 6, restraining the anti-graft agency.
Despite Bello’s absence from court proceedings and a failed attempt to arrest him in Abuja last week, the EFCC declared him wanted and placed him on a watchlist.
Protests erupted in Kogi State in support of Bello, with youths blocking the Lokoja-Abuja Road in demonstration.
Olukoyede defended the EFCC’s actions, citing constitutional grounds and alleging Bello’s involvement in financial irregularities.
He recounted an incident where Bello, anticipating his departure from office, withdrew funds from the state treasury and used them to pay his child’s school fees in advance, totaling $720,000.
The EFCC chairman stated that despite inviting Bello for questioning, the former governor refused to cooperate, citing unfounded concerns about media presence.
Addressing the legality of the EFCC’s actions, Olukoyede asserted that anyone obstructing Bello’s arrest would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, a court in Abuja adjourned proceedings on Bello’s case until May 10, as his lawyer sought to have the arrest warrant lifted.
In a related development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) disclaimed a protest by purported lawyers supporting Bello, stating that the individuals involved were not members of the legal profession.
