JUST IN: EFCC declares Yahaya Bello wanted

EFCC has declared ex-Governor Yahaya Bello wanted for alleged crimes of stealing N80 billion from the Kogi treasury.

“The public is hereby notified that YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO (former Governor of Kogi State), whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty billion, two hundred and forty-six million, four hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-nine naira, eighty-eight kobo).

“Bello, 48-year old Ebiraman, is a native of Okenne Local Government of Kogi State. His last known address is: 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja,” said the EFCC.

The EFCC’s latest move came barely 24 hours after the agency had laid siege to arrest the former governor and attempt to prosecute him in court for his alleged crimes during his eight years as governor of the state.

Peoples Gazette reported Wednesday that officers of the EFCC, alongside armed security personnel, had barricaded Mr Bello’s Abuja home, blocking both entrances to his residence located at Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, at about 9:00 a.m.

In a statement released on Wednesday night and signed by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said that there was strong opposition at Mr Bello’s apartment when the Commission tried to carry out the legally acquired arrest warrant against him.

Additionally, the anti-graft agency charged that Mr. Ododo made sure Mr. Bello was driven away in his official car.

During his arraignment in court on Thursday, Mr Bello absconded trial at the federal high court in Abuja, and Counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Phinro, informed the court that Mr Bello’s absence in court was a strategy to frustrate his hearing.

AGF Lateef Fagbemi urged Mr Bello to surrender himself to law enforcement officials to face alleged corruption charges.