107 days have passed since the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) declared former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello wanted for alleged money laundering involving N80,246,470,089.88.
Efforts to apprehend Bello at his residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja were thwarted by armed men and police officers. Kogi State’s current governor, Usman Ododo, intervened by escorting Bello from his house.
Despite a warrant issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja, Bello and three others have not been arraigned due to the EFCC’s inability to arrest him.
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Austin Okai, claimed Bello was hiding in the state Government House in Lokoja, contradicting earlier reports of him leaving the country.
The EFCC continues its hunt for Bello, who has evaded surrendering to authorities.
Speaking on the situation, Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, criticized the EFCC’s failure to arrest Bello, stating they have the resources to do so.
In response to allegations of compromise, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, reiterated that Bello remains a wanted man until apprehended and assured that legal actions are in progress.