Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has pledged to step down if the agency fails to prosecute former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for alleged financial crimes.
During a press conference in Abuja, Olukoyede emphasized the EFCC’s resolve to hold Bello accountable for misappropriating N80.2 billion. The commission has filed 19 counts of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation against Bello.
Olukoyede vowed to pursue anyone who obstructs Bello’s arrest and declared that the EFCC will not tolerate interference in its investigations. The agency has served the charge sheet on Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed.
Despite his absence from his scheduled arraignment, a federal high court judge ordered the charges to be served on Bello’s counsel. Bello’s legal team has argued that their client was not properly served and expressed concerns about a lack of fair hearing. They also challenged the EFCC’s legality.
EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Phinheiro, refuted these arguments and requested the court to uphold the arrest warrant against Bello. Last week, the court issued a bench warrant for Bello’s arrest for evading the charges. Subsequently, the EFCC declared him wanted.
Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s determination to combat corruption and urged public support. He emphasized that the agency’s success is crucial for Nigeria’s progress. CONTINUE READING
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