The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused influential Nigerian politicians of protecting former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of N80.2 billion fraud.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted after he failed to respond to multiple invitations for questioning. Despite a botched attempt to arrest him and his repeated absences from court, Bello remains at large. The Nigerian Immigration Service has placed him on a watchlist.
An EFCC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the ex-governor is being shielded by the political system.
“That politically-exposed Yahaya Bello, whose crime has been traced to him by allegation and has been invited by the EFCC to come and explain, and for months he is acting drama and we are all here wanting to ask questions! The shame is our own shame! Can’t we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can’t they call him and tell him, ‘You are disgracing Nigeria’? What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done. Where are the ministers? Where are Yahaya Bello’s colleagues, even in his hiding? So, Nigerians can’t tell him ‘This is not fair, go and report; they are not going to kill you’? But people are still eating and dining with him.”
The official’s comments highlight the broader issue of political interference and protection in high-profile corruption cases.
Despite the allegations and ongoing evasion, Yahaya Bello is expected to submit himself to the court today.
