ABUJA, Nigeria — After months of evading law enforcement, Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, was apprehended on Tuesday by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of money laundering, breach of trust, and the alleged embezzlement of 80.2 billion naira (approximately $105 million).
Bello, who governed the north-central state from 2015 to 2023, had been on the EFCC’s wanted list since April. His arrest has been lauded by the Federation of Anti-Graft Organisations, a coalition of civic groups advocating for accountability and transparency in governance.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, the federation commended the EFCC for the arrest and called for rigorous action to ensure justice. The group outlined a series of demands, including that Bello be treated “like any other common criminal.”
“No plea bargain should be entertained, and no administrative bail should be granted,” the statement declared. “The Commission must vehemently oppose any bail applications in court to ensure justice is served.”
Calls for a Firm Judicial Process
The statement, signed by Kolawole Emmanuel, the group’s convener, and Chisom Obioha, its secretary, urged the EFCC to prioritize transparency and fairness in prosecuting Bello. Among its recommendations, the coalition demanded that:
- The former governor’s mug shot be taken and publicly released.
- His bank accounts be frozen to prevent further financial activities.
- He be held in solitary confinement to ensure accountability.
- No presidential pardon be considered under any circumstances.
- All accomplices, including former aides, be investigated and prosecuted.
The federation also emphasized the importance of a fair trial, free from political interference, and warned against any leniency, pledging to mobilize protests should the former governor be released under questionable circumstances.
“We call for a thorough investigation and prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others who may engage in corrupt practices,” the statement read.
Broader Implications
Bello’s arrest highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against corruption, a pervasive issue that has undermined public trust and development in Africa’s largest economy. Transparency International consistently ranks Nigeria among the world’s most corrupt nations, despite repeated pledges by successive administrations to tackle graft.
This case is expected to test the EFCC’s resolve and capacity to deliver justice in high-profile cases. The agency has faced criticism in the past for its handling of politically sensitive prosecutions, with accusations of bias and inefficiency often levied against it.
Bello’s legal team has yet to comment on the charges. Meanwhile, the Federation of Anti-Graft Organisations announced plans to hold a world press conference in the coming days to further discuss its position and expectations regarding the case.
The former governor’s arrest represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, with many observers watching closely to see if this high-profile case will lead to a successful prosecution or become another cautionary tale of delayed justice.