The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has declared the immediate Kogi State-ex-governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, wanted over N80.2 billion financial crimes.

EFCC wrote this on its verified social media handle on Thursday evening where the photograph of the former governor was displayed with the inscription ‘WANTED’, that “Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.

adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 2 Billion. Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest Police Station.”

Informavores recalls that Bello was billed for arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja this Thursday, April 18, 2024.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had said Bello was to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).

Bello’s arraignment is coming on the heels of a warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted the EFCC by the court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Count one of the charges reads: That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”.

Count 17 of the charges read: “That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3, 081, 804,654.00 (Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account number 1451458080 domiciled in Access BankPlc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

Count 18 of the charges reads: “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders international Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars) to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act”.

The Commission’s attempt to execute the Warrant of Arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle. As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The statement further said that, “It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

The Igala Cultural And Development Association, ICDA North Central Coordinator, Prince Oruma Musa has sent a message of congratulations to Igala muslim faithfulls in the North-central as they celebrate the eid-el-fitr. push({});

Prince Oruma congratulate Igala muslims as they completed the Ramadan fasting urging them to continue to abide by the teachings during the ramadan fasting.

“The patience and perseverance exercised during ramadan fasting is a sacrifice that will be rewarded with blessings from Allah”, he said.

He further express shock over the sudden death of former governor of Kogi State, Alh Idris Wada son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris who died after eid-el prayer at his Abuja residence.

The deceased was a former member of House of Representative, represented Omala, Ankpa and Olamaboro in the 7th Assembly.

In a message conveyed by special adviser on media, Prince Abdulrahman Obaje, Prince Oruma said he is deepely saddened by the death of Muhammed.

“On behalf of myself and the good people of the Igala Kingdom, North-central Zone, I wish to express our deep condolence over the death of your son, I am deeply saddened by his death. He is a young Nigerian full of promises for the future of Nigeria”. He said.

He said the death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, urging the family he left behind to take solace in the fact that the late Muhammed live a life worthy of emulation.
He prayed that the Almighty Allah grant the dead eternal rest in Aljanat Firdaos.

He further reiterate his commitment towards the advancement of ICDA , saying that we should all intesify prayers and commitment, while all hands on deck to see that ICDA get out of its current predicament.

Investigative Journalists Group, the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists NGIJ has extended a warm congratulations to Mr. Kunle Aderinokun on his appointment as the new Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Corporation. adsbygoogle || []). push({});

In a statement released on Tuesday in Lagos signed by Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, the National President and Israel Bolaji, the National Vice President of NGIJ, the guild described Aderinokun as a versatile journalist, banker, business analyst, media expert and arts enthusiast who would bring his rich years of experience to bear on the new role.

“NGIJ recognises the appointment of Mr. Aderinokun as a significant development, as his decades of robust experience across the media and financial industry undoubtedly be a valuable asset to Access Corporation and the nation.

“His extensive knowledge, exposure, intellect and expertise in media and finance make him a well-suited candidate for this position

“The NGIJ is confident that Mr. Aderinokun’s appointment will further to the growth and success of Access Corporation. We look forward to witnessing his impactful contributions to the organisation’s media and public relations endeavours,” the statement noted.

Prior to his appointment at Access Corporation, Mr. Aderinokun held various key positions in prestigious organizations. He began his career at First Marina Trust Ltd as an MIS and Account, followed by a role as an Analyst at Wall Street Trust Company.

Subsequently, he served as a Banking Officer at United Bank for Africa Plc and later founded Pure Synergy. At ThisDay Newspaper Group, he distinguished himself as an Associate Editor and Group Business Editor, responsible for editing and writing compelling business stories and analyses.

Mr. Aderinokun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Ilorin and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos. His educational background, coupled with his extensive professional experience, equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape.

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) is a professional body that promotes investigative journalism, ethical standards, and accountability in Nigeria. The guild comprises seasoned journalists who are committed to upholding the principles of integrity, fairness, and accuracy in their work.