Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over allegations of money laundering and fraud involving ₦110 billion. Bello, who had been declared wanted by the EFCC in April 2024, was taken into custody on Tuesday at 12:59 pm by the commission’s Chief Security Officer.
The EFCC alleges that Bello, alongside two associates, engaged in criminal breach of trust and laundered funds amounting to over ₦110 billion. A portion of the laundered money was reportedly used to purchase 12 properties across Abuja. These offenses, the EFCC noted, violate the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and carry severe penalties under Section 312 of the law.
The anti-graft agency has faced significant challenges in bringing Bello to justice. He had previously resisted arrest, shunned multiple invitations, and sought legal means to avoid prosecution. His applications to halt the trial were dismissed by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal. The EFCC also accused Bello’s successor, Governor Usman Ododo, of assisting his evasion, including facilitating his escape during a raid in April.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory issued a public summons for Bello to appear on October 24, which was later extended to November 14 and then to November 27 after his repeated absence.
With his arrest, the EFCC plans to arraign Bello in court on Wednesday, November 27. Sources within the commission confirmed that Bello was interrogated for hours on Tuesday and remains in custody. “We are prepared to present him in court,” an EFCC official disclosed.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale and Bello’s media aide, Michael Ohaire, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
