In a startling revelation, leaked WhatsApp conversations have surfaced, uncovering what appears to be an attempt by Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to sway judges overseeing his legal dispute with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These leaked messages, originating from a WhatsApp group titled “Only Ododo 4 Const,” feature discussions among some of Bello’s close associates and commissioners in Kogi State, shedding light on an alleged scheme to influence the outcome of his case through bribery.

Leaked WhatsApp Chats Show Fleeing Kogi Ex-Governor, Yahaya Bello Is Plotting To Bribe Judges — Image credit: Sahara Reporters

Yahaya Bello, currently evading authorities, stands accused by the EFCC of misappropriating a colossal sum exceeding N80 billion in public funds. Moreover, law enforcement agencies have apprehended individuals linked to him, including a female police officer, on suspicion of aiding his escape from EFCC operatives.

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Key Figures in this bribe plan:

Among the individuals implicated in the leaked WhatsApp exchanges are Evangelist Kinsley Fanwo, formerly the Commissioner for Information and Communications under Bello’s administration and presently serving in Governor Usman Ododo’s government; Barrister Salami Ozigi-Deedat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Honorable Umar Oricha Shaibu, the Director General of Kogi State Government House.

The Alleged Plot:

Within the discussions, Fanwo purportedly divulged Bello’s plan to bribe the judges overseeing his case. It’s claimed that Bello intended to convert substantial sums of money from naira to dollars, presumably to enhance the appeal of the bribes to the judges. Fanwo also mentioned Bello’s arrangement to enlist assistance in delivering the cash to the judges.

Fanwo’s communication, although informal, expressed confidence in the alleged plan’s success, suggesting that even if Bello were to surrender himself, victory appeared assured once the money reached the judges.

Abdullahi Bello, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, lent credence to Fanwo’s claims, affirming that the party was taking requisite measures before any potential interaction between Bello and the judges.

Legal Proceedings:

Prior reports by SaharaReporters detailed the legal entanglement facing Bello, with the EFCC levying 19 criminal charges against him, including accusations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering. These charges, filed at the Federal High Court 9 in Abuja, outline Bello’s alleged diversion of funds belonging to the Kogi State government for personal use, along with his purported involvement in acquiring property using unlawfully obtained funds.

The leaked WhatsApp conversations offer insight into what’s purportedly clandestine maneuvering by a former state governor grappling with severe legal accusations. While the authenticity of these messages and the accuracy of the claims therein remain subject to scrutiny, they underscore the significance of transparency and integrity within the judicial process.