Alleged N80.2bn fraud: Arrest, prosecute Yahaya Bello – Adeyanju to EFCC

Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju on Wednesday called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to immediately arrest and prosecute former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.

EFCC had accused Bello of laundering N80.2billion while he was governor.

The immediate past Governor alongside three others are facing 19 count charges on alleged money laundering.

A few months ago, an attempt by the anti-graft agency to arrest Bello from his Abuja residence failed as he was smuggled out by Governor Usman Ododo.

But, the former governor claimed on Wednesday that he stormed EFCC’s office but was not interrogated.

However, Adeyanju urged EFCC to recover all the state funds from Bello.

In a statement he issued, Adeyanju said: “I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately arrest and prosecute Yahaya Bello, who, along with three others, is facing 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.

“The misappropriation of such a vast amount, meant for the people of Kogi State, is an injustice that must not go unpunished.

“These funds should be recovered and used as reparation for the damages done to the people of Kogi State, who continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and underdevelopment. It is in the best interest of the state that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

“Furthermore, I call on the EFCC to recover any other funds allegedly looted from Kogi State by Bello and his proxies and assure the agency that all Nigerians are solidly behind it in its quest to ensure that Bello is held accountable for his actions.

“I also urge the government to act swiftly and ensure that Yahaya Bello is brought to justice. His prosecution is not only a legal necessity but a moral obligation.”