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Alleged N80.2billion Money Laundering: EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Wanted
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.
EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello Wanted Over N80.2 Billion Fraud
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.”
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Kogi Government Clarifies Arrest of Defamation Suspect, Insists On Due Process
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of one Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, describing them as deliberate attempts to distort facts and incite public sentiment.
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In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government stated that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition against a “clearly defamatory” publication authored by him against the State Government.
Fanwo emphasized that the suspect voluntarily honoured the police invitation, confessed to authoring the false publication, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction which ordered his remand. He stressed that contrary to claims on social media, Abdulhamid is not being detained illegally but is facing prosecution in line with Nigeria’s laws on defamation.
“Defamation is a criminal offense in Nigeria, not an expression of free speech,” the statement read. “It has the potential to destroy reputations built over decades and plunge innocent individuals into disrepute. Sadly, Abdulhamid allowed himself to be used by disgruntled political elements who are yet to come to terms with the fact that the era of politics of patronage is over in Kogi State.”
The government accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring misinformation in a bid to undermine the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom it said has earned the people’s trust through “massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, and civil service welfare.”
While reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment through ICT, enterprise, and education, the government expressed disappointment that some young people still allow themselves to be exploited by desperate politicians.
The Commissioner drew comparisons with a previous case involving political activist Austin Okai, who was forgiven only after publicly apologizing for similar actions.
“Justice must never be based on ethnic considerations. To ask that Abdulhamid be released because he shares ethnic ties with the Governor is to insult the principles of fairness and equality before the law. What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” Fanwo stated.
He further noted that Abdulhamid’s case should serve as a lesson to other youths that those who incite wrongdoing rarely show up to defend their pawns when the law takes its course.
The government assured the public that the case will follow due process and urged the media to verify facts and avoid sensationalism in reporting issues that border on legal and reputational matters.
“We have chosen to speak out in order to clarify the facts and ensure that members of the public are not misled into defending wrongdoing out of ignorance or emotion. When you make wild allegations against the State Government, be prepared to defend them because others also have the right to defend their integrity,” he concluded.
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Good Governance: KONGONET Chairman Calls for Citizen Participation In Governance
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chairman, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina has called on government at all levels to embrace inclusivity in planning and service delivery to boost good governance.
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Ambassador Muraina also called on civil society organisations and development partners to work together in deepening citizen participation in ensuring that governance remains transparent, responsive and true reflective of people’s needs.
Ambassador Muraina made the call while speaking at the 2025 KONGONET Annual General Meeting held in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said that the annual general meeting with the THEME: Synergy for Socioeconomic Development: Uniting State And Non-State Actors for A Greater Impact In Kogi State, is targeted at ushering in quality service provision and positive engagement.
He maintained that together, “We can build more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Kogi State for generations to come”
“I want to sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for your support in the last five years of my leadership. Your unwavering support, collaboration, and commitment have been instrumental in sharing the positive trajectory of our collective efforts in Kogi State.
“Over these years, our partnership has yielded remarkable achievements in bringing about impactful synergy between the state and Non-State Actors
“We have been able to strengthen relationships with government ministries, departments, and agencies which have translated into impactful programmes that benefit our citizens”
He solicited for extension of same cooperation to the incoming KONGONET executive.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC), Nda Eri who also spoke at the event, commended KONGONET in its task to enhance good governance through engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He assured of more logistics support from the state government in promoting the mission and vision of KONGONET
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving MDAs in recognition of their roles in promoting good governance in Kogi.
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Kogi (PDCRC) Boss Lauds Governor Ododo’s Administration for GBV Initiative
By Our Reporter
The Director General of the Kogi State Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Hon Idris Onogo Esq, has praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children in the state.
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Hon. Idris made this commendation today while addressing Newsmen in Lokoja.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of the Commissioner, Hon (Haj) Fatimah Momoh, demonstrates Governor Ododo’s administration’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for all citizens.
The committee’s mandate includes providing psycho-social support to survivors, ensuring that cases are handled with care and professionalism, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity for women and children.
Governor Ododo’s leadership has been marked by a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of Kogi State citizens. The GBV initiative is just one of the many efforts by his administration to address the social and economic challenges facing the state.
By establishing this committee, Governor Ododo’s administration has shown its commitment to upholding the rights of women and children and providing support to those affected by GBV.
Bar Idris’s praise highlights the significance of this initiative and reveals the administration’s efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
The Kogi State Public Defender’s Office and other stakeholders have expressed optimism that this initiative will yield positive results and contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for women and children in the state.
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