The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that the Court of Appeal ruling on former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello is a vindication of the anti-graft agency’s stance that he must face trial.
News360 Info reports that On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment by the EFCC.
Speaking on the development, the Agency insisted that Bello will be brought to justice.
The commission had charged the erstwhile governor with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion.
Speaking on Thursday during an interview on News Central TV, the head of media and publicity for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, said the court had amplified the commission’s stance.
Oyewale stated that Bello is now a fugitive, and he can no longer walk around openly.
“What the court of appeal is saying is just to amplify the position of the commission and also to establish the fact that we are focused concerning his matter,” Oyewale said.
He dismissed claims that the EFCC was neglecting certain cases, insisting that all matters before the commission are given the “necessary attention”.
He attributed delays in some cases to procedural issues and the commission’s “strict” adherence to the rule of law.
Oyewale said the commission is collaborating with both local and international law enforcement agencies to ensure Bello’s arrest.
“As it is now, Yahaya Bello cannot come into the open. He cannot make himself available anywhere because he has become a fugitive, and we all know the instruments of the law—anywhere he is sighted, he would be arrested,”
“He is hiding, he has gone underground. Every law enforcement agency, both local and international agencies are involved,” Oyewale added.
He assured Nigerians that the EFCC remains focused on resolving Bello’s case, along with other ongoing investigations.
