The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, after he presented himself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
This development comes after months of Bello shunning repeated invitations from the EFCC.
According to Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Bello was arrested by the Commission’s chief security officer. “It is true that we have him in our custody. The operatives of the Commission arrested him,” Oyewale said.
Bello’s detention is connected to allegations of misappropriation of funds levelled against him. The EFCC had declared him wanted on April 18, 2024, in connection with an N80.2 billion money laundering charge.
Bello had arrived at the EFCC headquarters with his lawyers, but his successor, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who had accompanied him to the EFCC office a few weeks ago, was not present.
The EFCC’s action is seen as a significant step in the investigation into the alleged financial impropriety. The commission has been working to ensure that those suspected of financial crimes are held accountable.
