The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has said he has kept his word on the prosecution of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, insisting that the matter is now before the courts and no longer under investigation. He explained that the commission has completed its work and that the judicial process is ongoing.
Olukoyede disclosed that investigations showed Bello allegedly moved funds from the Kogi State Government account to a bureau de change while still in office. The money was said to have been used to pay about 720,000 dollars as advance school fees for his child, shortly before he left office. He described the alleged act as troubling, given the financial condition of the state at the time.
He recalled that in April 2024, he publicly stated he would resign if Bello was not prosecuted. According to him, that promise has been met, as charges have been filed and trials are already underway in court. He added that the EFCC does not decide guilt or conviction, stressing that its duty ends after investigation and prosecution.
The EFCC chairman said there are multiple cases against the former governor. Bello is facing a 16-count charge linked to alleged property fraud involving about N110 billion, alongside two others. In another case before the Federal High Court, he is also standing trial on a 19-count charge related to alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
Olukoyede further explained that Bello was earlier declared wanted in April 2024 over alleged financial crimes running into about N80 billion, a move that drew nationwide attention. He maintained that the commission will continue to pursue the cases until the courts reach a final decision, regardless of the status of those involved.
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