In a recent disclosure, Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), shed light on a concerning matter involving Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.

EFCC: Yahaya Bello withdrew $720k from Kogi State to pay children's fees — credit: google images

According to Olukoyede, Bello withdrew a staggering $720,000 from the state’s coffers to finance his child’s education expenses.

Improper Use of State Funds

Olukoyede highlighted the gravity of the situation during a discussion with media representatives in Abuja. He revealed that Bello orchestrated the transfer of these funds directly from the state’s accounts to a bureau de change operator. The intention? To prepay his child’s school fees in anticipation of his departure from office.

“A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to bureau de change and used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance,” Olukoyede expressed his concern over the matter, emphasizing the ethical breach and the disregard for the state’s financial well-being.

Accountability Amidst Allegations

It’s important to note that Olukoyede clarified his stance regarding the investigation. He stated that he inherited the case file concerning the former governor and did not initiate the inquiry against Bello. This clarification aims to provide transparency regarding the EFCC’s involvement in the matter.

EFCC Escalating Allegations and Yahaya Bello Wanted Status

The situation escalated further in April when EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend Bello at his residence in Abuja. The arrest was in connection to his alleged involvement in a ₦80 billion fraud. However, reports emerged that Bello was rescued by Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi, during his visit to the ex-governor’s residence.

The Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has said the embattled former governor of Kogi ,Yahaya Bello, withdrew $720,000 from the government account to a Bureau de Change to pay for his child's school fees in advance #CTVTweets pic.twitter.com/oG0KvisWQ7
— Channels Television (@channelstv) April 23, 2024

Subsequently, the EFCC declared Bello wanted, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) placed him on a watchlist. The allegations against Bello and his associates revolve around the diversion of approximately ₦80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.

The revelation of such misuse of public funds underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in governance. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility entrusted to public officials and the consequences of betraying the public trust.

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