N80.2bn Fraud: Tinubu Shielding Yahaya Bello?

*N80.2bn STOLEN, $720K SENT TO BUREAU DE CHANGE

Bello: Fmr Governor Alleged stole N80bn, $720,000

Tension continues to grow between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The EFCC has been trying to arrest Bello over allegations of laundering N80.2 billion, but efforts to capture him have been hindered by many factors, including interference from a sitting governor of the state, Usman Ododo, who is reportedly shielding Bello.

On Wednesday night, EFCC operatives surrounded a government lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where Bello was hiding, but were unable to arrest him. Many sources say the wanted Bello is de facto governor, due to his influence over Ododo, who is seen as his stooge.

This standoff between Bello and EFCC has been on since Bello first avoided arrest despite several attempts. EFCC said it remains committed to bringing him in, but it is also cautious of not violating the immunity law protecting Governor Ododo.

There are also reports that Bello’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is affecting the effectiveness of the EFCC in the matter. As a sitting governor in 2023, Bello, like many governors of APC-controlled states was instrumental in garnering votes for the current president, who is also eyeing a 2^nd tenure in 2027.

Some observers are unimpressed with Wednesday’s drama between the commission, the ex-governor and the sitting governor. “How can a wanted person visit the EFCC’s office and walk out freely without being interrogated, arrested or taken into custody? These people think Nigerians are fools.”

Bello, who has publicly denied the allegations, reportedly met with the EFCC but left before any arrest. His camp criticizes the EFCC’s approach, calling their attempts excessive. Political watchers of the unfolding drama said the commission was caught in a well-planned scheme by Bello and his legal team.

Meanwhile, the case illustrates how political influence and legal constraints complicate efforts to enforce accountability, and it highlights the challenges anti-corruption agencies face when pursuing high-profile figures. As the EFCC reassesses its strategy, the outcome of this drama remains uncertain, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives of compliance and evasion.

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ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BELLO

1. Money Laundering (N80.2 billion): The primary allegation against Bello is his involvement in laundering ₦80.2 billion in public funds. This is the main charge levelled by the EFCC, which claims that the funds were illicitly moved during his tenure as governor.
2. Diversion of Public Funds: Bello is also accused of diverting state funds for personal use. The EFCC alleged that he transferred public money from the state government’s account to private entities, including using a Bureau de Change for personal expenses. One notable example is a reported payment of $720,000 from the state’s funds to cover his children’s school fees abroad.
3. Failure to Respond to Multiple EFCC Summons: In addition to financial misconduct, Bello faces accusations related to evading justice. He reportedly ignored multiple invitations from the EFCC to answer questions about his financial dealings, prompting the agency to declare him wanted in April 2024.

EFCC’S HURDLE IN ARRESTING YAHAYA BELLO:

1. Protection by Governor Ododo: Yahaya Bello is reportedly being shielded by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. As a sitting governor, Ododo enjoys constitutional immunity, preventing him from being prosecuted or arrested. This immunity extends to preventing law enforcement from entering his residence or entourage without violating the law. EFCC operatives claim that Ododo has used his position to provide cover for Bello, making it difficult to arrest him without triggering legal and political repercussions.
2. Rule of Law Considerations: The EFCC, under its chairman Ola Olukoyede, has expressed caution in flouting legal provisions, particularly those that could undermine the rule of law. Even though there is a subsisting arrest warrant for Bello, the agency is careful not to overstep its bounds, especially concerning the constitutional immunity of the sitting governor. This has slowed down the EFCC’s operations, as they do not want to risk legal challenges or accusations of illegal conduct.
3. Bello’s Evasion Tactics: Yahaya Bello has reportedly used various tactics to evade arrest, including moving between locations and using the governor’s convoy to escape detection. These maneuvers, coupled with inside information and logistical support from those loyal to him, have made it difficult for the EFCC to catch him. For instance, in April, he was allegedly smuggled out of his compound in Governor Ododo’s vehicle after a standoff with EFCC operatives.
4. Legal Maneuvering: Bello’s legal team argues that he has already submitted himself to the EFCC and cooperated with the agency, claiming that further attempts to arrest him are unnecessary. His team contends that the ongoing case is already in court, and thus, they expect the legal process to be followed rather than aggressive arrest attempts. This complicates matters for the EFCC, as they have to tread carefully in handling a high-profile figure who claims to be cooperating with investigations.