Crime

See What EFCC Requests North African Countries to do toFormer Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 8th, 2024.

See What EFCC Requests North African Countries to do toFormer Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sought the assistance of INTERPOL in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria to place Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, on a watch-list. This move, based on credible intelligence, was disclosed over the weekend.

In addition to these North African countries, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan have also been requested to watch-list Bello. Sources within the EFCC indicated that multiple strategies are being considered to address the situation, including a possible operation at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, where Bello is reportedly hiding.

This watch-listing comes ahead of Bello’s expected court appearance on July 17th before a Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces 19 charges, including alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of approximately N80.2 billion in public funds. Despite denying these allegations, Bello has failed to attend his trial sessions on June 13th and June 27th before Justice Emeka Nwite.

During the most recent hearing, Bello filed an application to transfer his trial to the Federal High Court in Lokoja. An EFCC source commented on the situation: “In preparation for the next hearing, the EFCC has activated multiple measures, including placing Bello on a watch-list in North Africa. We are aware of an aborted attempt to exit to Morocco via Cameroon and are determined to prevent him from fleeing into exile.”

EFCC Executive Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede recently addressed illicit financial flows in a session in Tunisia, followed by meetings with North African INTERPOL heads regarding the intelligence on Bello. As a result, INTERPOL has placed Bello on Red Alert across North Africa, ensuring his arrest if found in any of these countries.

The EFCC’s proactive steps aim to ensure Bello’s presence in court to face the charges against him. At the last hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), withdrew his representation but highlighted an application pending before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer Bello’s trial to Lokoja, citing Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act.