As the tenure of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, concluded on January 27, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly gearing up to invite him for questioning. Bello, who ascended to power in 2015 following the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu, is no longer shielded by the immunity that comes with his position.
Sources suggest that the EFCC and other security agencies are preparing to hold Yahaya Bello accountable for his eight-year administration as the executive Governor of Kogi State. This move follows the expiration of his term as the youngest governor in the state.
The EFCC had previously faced legal hurdles in its attempt to forfeit 14 properties and a sum of N400 million linked to Bello. A ruling by Justice Nicholas Oweibo in April 2023 dismissed the suit, citing the governor’s immunity from prosecution under the 1999 constitution.
In response, the EFCC filed an appeal, arguing that the immunity granted to Bello during his tenure does not extend to properties suspected to be proceeds of crime. The Commission contends that the court erred in refusing to align with previous decisions on the interpretation of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Oweibo had earlier granted an interim forfeiture of properties in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Arab Emirates, along with the preservation of N400 million linked to Bello. The properties include a hotel apartment in Dubai.
As Bello’s immunity lapsed on Saturday, January 27, 2024, he may now face potential arrest by the EFCC for alleged money laundering and financial infractions during his tenure as the governor of Kogi State. The commission is poised to revisit its pursuit of accountability from the former governor in the coming week.