The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state, will be brought to justice.
Bello has been charged with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, made this statement during an interview on News Central TV on Thursday.
After multiple failed attempts to arrest Bello, the EFCC declared him wanted. On August 20, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment by the EFCC.
Oyewale described the court’s ruling as a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.
“What the court of appeal is saying is just to amplify the position of the commission and also to establish the fact that we are focused concerning his matter,” Oyewale said.
Oyewale dismissed claims that the EFCC was neglecting certain cases, insisting that all matters before the commission receive the “necessary attention”.
He attributed delays in some cases to procedural issues and the commission’s “strict” adherence to the rule of law.
The EFCC is working with local and international law enforcement agencies to ensure Bello’s arrest. “As it is now, Yahaya Bello cannot come into the open.
He cannot make himself available anywhere because he has become a fugitive, and we all know the instruments of the law, anywhere he is sighted, he would be arrested,” Oyewale said. “He is hiding, he has gone underground.
Every law enforcement agency, both local and international agencies are involved.” Oyewale assured Nigerians that the EFCC remains focused on resolving Bello’s case, along with other ongoing investigations.
