A critique of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been put forward by veteran journalist Dele Momodu in the ongoing case against former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello. Momodu suggested that the EFCC did not carry out thorough investigations in their pursuit of Bello.
During an Instagram Live session, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart questioned the EFCC’s assertion that Bello utilized government funds to pay advanced school fees for his children before the end of his tenure.
Momodu criticized the EFCC’s handling of the case against Bello and emphasized the need for the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to learn from the failures of his predecessors who were reportedly dismissed disgracefully.
Expressing his views, Momodu mentioned, “Observing the EFCC chairman recently, I couldn’t help but feel emotional because of his aggressive approach… unnecessary posturing. Proposed solutions would be to execute the responsibilities diligently, professionally, and efficiently while adhering strictly to the rule of law.”
Commenting on the credibility of the EFCC’s claims against Bello, Momodu admitted, “I’m not a part of the EFCC, but from various reports indicating oversight, it appears they have erred in their judgment. The due diligence was lacking.”
Addressing the accusations made by the EFCC, Momodu highlighted discrepancies in the allegations, stating, “It’s perplexing when allegations suggest that a man withdrew funds for his children’s fees as he was leaving office, yet a simple check shows the transactions occurred in 2021, 2022… I’m not gullible.”
The EFCC had accused Bello and three others of engaging in money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion while he was in office. Olukoyede specifically accused Bello of withdrawing $720,000 for his children’s education expenses prior to the end of his term, a claim that was refuted by the former governor.