Yahaya Bello: EFCC Alleges Systemic Cover-Up in N80.2bn Fraud Scandal

EFCC Accuses Yahaya Bello of disrespecting justice system, alleges systemic cover-up in n80.2bn fraud scandal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, of disrespecting the Nigerian justice system by refusing to appear in court for his trial over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. The EFCC has been engaged in a prolonged legal battle with Bello, who is accused of fraudulently diverting public funds during his tenure as governor.

Despite the EFCC's efforts to apprehend him, Bello has consistently evaded arrest and failed to appear in court for his arraignment. As a result, the EFCC has declared him wanted and placed him on a watchlist, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service. However, the EFCC alleges that Bello is receiving protection from powerful forces within the system, which is hindering the commission's efforts to bring him to justice.

“This is the last question I expected because the shame is on all of us. Is that a question I should answer alone? It's not me, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the EFCC zonal Director, Benin Zonal Command, Effa Okim said.

“That politically exposed Yahaya Bello, whose crime has been traced to him by allegation and has been invited by EFCC to come and explain, and for months he is acting drama and we are all here wanting to ask questions! The shame is our own shame!

“Can't we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can't they call him and tell him, 'You are disgracing Nigeria'? What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done.

“Where are the ministers? Where are Yahaya Bello's colleagues, even in his hiding? So, Nigerians can't tell him 'This is not fair, go and report; they are not going to kill you'? But people are still eating and dining with him.”

Okim emphasized that, aside from the legal implications, there was a moral dimension to the case that needed to be considered.

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“Where has morality gone before legality that we can't summon that man and tell him to go and report himself to the EFCC? Some persons are writing, supporting him, while some are criticizing the commission.

“The problem is our own problem that borders on Nigeria's image. Our children are watching their parents behave like children.

“To me, the truth has vanished. Even in Animal Farm, this will not happen, that a man who was part of the system that was a custodian of our culture, rules and laws can behave like this and you are asking questions.

“The media should come out for the first time to harmonise, criticise that action and forget about prosecution but tell him to make himself available; thereafter we know what to do.”

Okim declared that the criminal justice system had been undermined and discredited by Bello's behavior; “And because we respect the law, we want to go by the process, we are inhibited that does not make us weak.”