In a significant development, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion. The arrest marks a turning point in the EFCC’s pursuit of the former governor, who has evaded arrest for months despite repeated attempts.
Yahaya Bello, who served as the governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, was taken into custody on Monday afternoon. Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, stating, “We have arrested him. Our chief security officer arrested him, and he was brought in at 12:54 pm. He is currently undergoing interrogation and remains in our custody.”
The arrest was facilitated by the current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who played a key role in bringing Bello to Abuja earlier in the day and subsequently inviting EFCC operatives to apprehend him. This development follows an August 20 ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which ordered Bello to present himself for arraignment.
The EFCC has filed a 19-count charge against Bello, primarily centered on allegations of money laundering. The commission alleges that Bello withdrew $720,000 from state coffers to prepay his child’s school fees abroad. The former governor’s arraignment has been repeatedly stalled due to his absence from court proceedings. The EFCC intensified its efforts following the court’s ruling, which it described as a “vindication” of its position that Bello must answer to the charges.
The arrest has sparked conversations around accountability and the role of political immunity in Nigeria. Bello’s case is expected to serve as a litmus test for the EFCC’s resolve in tackling corruption among high-profile political figures. “This arrest is a significant step towards ensuring that no one is above the law, regardless of their political status,” said an EFCC official who wished to remain anonymous.
