Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, is still on the run 107 days after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The EFCC had declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88.
Despite attempts to arrest him, Bello has managed to evade capture. On April 17, armed men and policemen prevented EFCC operatives from apprehending him at his Abuja residence. The current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, also escorted him out of the location.
The EFCC had obtained a warrant of arrest from a Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Bello and three other suspects. However, the inability to arrest Bello has stalled their arraignment.
The EFCC has continued its manhunt for Bello, who has refused to surrender himself for arrest. The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, maintained that Bello remains wanted until arrested. Oyewale dismissed insinuations that the agency had been compromised or unwilling to arrest the former governor.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, expressed surprise that Bello remains at large despite the EFCC’s efforts. Nwanguma suggested that the EFCC may not be serious about arresting Bello. However, Oyewale reiterated that Bello is wanted and will remain so until arrested.