EFCC Chair: Yahaya Bello Diverted Kogi’s $720,000 for Child’s Tuition

Kogi youths and civil society organizations (CSOs) have voiced criticism against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amidst revelations made by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, regarding former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s alleged misuse of state funds. Olukoyede asserted that Bello withdrew $720,000 from the state’s coffers to pay for his child’s education. Despite attempts to engage Bello in dialogue, including a personal call from Olukoyede, the former governor refused to respond, prompting the EFCC to pursue legal action.

In response to the EFCC’s actions against Bello, youths in Kogi State staged protests, causing disruptions on the Lokoja-Abuja Road. However, Olukoyede defended the EFCC’s actions, emphasizing the constitutional basis for investigating Bello based on alleged financial improprieties. He underscored the seriousness of the allegations, highlighting Bello’s alleged diversion of state funds for personal use.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) disavowed a protest staged by individuals claiming to be lawyers, who criticized the EFCC’s approach to Bello’s case. The NBA clarified that the protesters were not members of the legal profession and reiterated the importance of upholding legal processes and court orders in addressing allegations of corruption. Despite the controversy surrounding Bello’s case, the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the matter until May 10 to rule on Bello’s request to lift the arrest warrant issued against him, sparking further debate over the appropriate legal proceedings in the case.