The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, has promised that he will ensure that investigations into the alleged N80.2 billion fraud case against the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, are carried out. Olukoyede made this declaration during an interview with newsmen at the commission's headquarters. He also stated that he would resign from his position if Bello is not prosecuted.
Olukoyede revealed that Bello withdrew $720,000 from the government account and used it to pay for his child's school fees in advance through a Bureau de Change. He expressed his strong desire to see to the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, and warned that anyone who obstructs the apprehension of the former governor would be brought to book.
The EFCC Chairman emphasized his passion for the progress of the country, and stated that he would not ignore such a case, especially given that a sitting governor moved such a large sum of money from the government account in a poor state like Kogi.
He also clarified that he inherited the case file and did not initiate it. Olukoyede acknowledged that he made a direct phone call to the former governor out of respect, urging him to appear before the EFCC and address the accusations against him. However, Bello declined the invitation and instead directed the EFCC personnel to meet him in his hometown. Olukoyede honored Bello as an immediate past governor and made the call despite inheriting the case file.
