EFCC declares former Kogi State Governor wanted for money laundering

There are indications that the ex-governor might have sought refuge in the Kogi State government house.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 Billion.

The anti-graft agency has called on those with vital information about his whereabouts to reach out to the commission or report to the police.

In a statement released on their official Facebook page, the EFCC said, “Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 Billion,” the EFCC said in a Thursday evening post on its Facebook page it captioned “Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Wanted By the EFCC”.

“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest police Station.”

Earlier today, the EFCC had suggested that they may employ military intervention to locate and apprehend the former state governor, who has been said to be evading capture.

It has been a cat-and-rat tussle between the EFCC and Yahaya Bello for the past two weeks. Despite attempts to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, the EFCC faced obstacles preventing his apprehension.

There are indications that the former governor might have sought refuge in the Kogi State Government House, taking advantage of Governor Ahmed Ododo’s immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the EFCC’s Counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, the commission is committed to ensuring that Bello faces trial, even if it they may have to sought military intervention to apprehend him.

He said, “We may have to invite the military to move Yahaya Bello out of where he is hiding.

“We may have to engage the military to force him out because immunity does not cover him where he is hiding.

“No one is above the law. Immunity covers only the governor and not everyone around him.”