The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has affirmed his commitment to ensuring the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, reaches a conclusive end.
Speaking to journalists at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja’s Jabi area, Olukoyede pledged to step down from his position as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted.
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He also vowed to hold accountable anyone who obstructed Bello’s arrest.
The EFCC is pursuing charges against Bello related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
Olukoyede stressed the importance of support from Nigerians for the EFCC’s efforts, emphasizing that the agency’s success is integral to Nigeria’s well-being.
He highlighted the positive impact of the agency’s current initiatives on the nation’s currency value and foreign market stability.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has delivered a copy of the charge sheet detailing the alleged fraud amounting to N80 billion against Bello to his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed.
This action follows a court order by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, prompted by Bello’s absence during his scheduled arraignment.
The court, citing the Administrative and Criminal Justice Act 2015, authorized the delivery of the charges through substituted means due to Bello’s non-appearance.
Despite initial reluctance, Bello’s lawyer ultimately accepted the charges on his behalf.
In response, Bello’s legal team argued against the ex-parte order of arrest issued earlier, citing concerns over fair hearing and justice.
They emphasized Bello’s willingness to appear in court and address the charges brought against him by the EFCC.
The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Phinheiro, urged the court to uphold the arrest warrant until Bello makes himself available for trial, dismissing his legal challenges while evading court appearances.
Justice Nwite had previously issued a bench warrant against Bello following repeated non-appearances in court and his evasion of criminal charges, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted.
