The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its pursuit of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, declaring that he will face full prosecution over an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering scandal.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, affirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the law takes its course regarding the money laundering charges.
Bello faces 19 counts brought against him by the EFCC before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Oyewale emphasized that despite undertakings by Bello’s lawyers to produce him for arraignment, the former governor has failed to appear in court.
He denied claims that Bello was targeted for assassination, dismissing them as ‘scaremongering’ aimed at discrediting the Commission.
According to Oyewale, Bello’s invasion of the EFCC headquarters with security details and a media blitz necessitated a tactical rebuff of his purported surrender offer.
The EFCC assured the public of its unwavering focus on tackling economic and financial crimes without fear or favour.
Oyewale further stated that the Commission has arraigned three former ministers, two ex-governors, and several top officials within the year.
He added that every former governor, minister, and head of ministries under investigation will soon be charged in court.
Oyewale said, “Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists. The true test of Yahaya Bello’s willingness to abide by the law in the criminal proceedings instituted against him at the Federal High Court Abuja by the EFCC, is to present himself to the court in obedience to the order of Justice Nwite.
“His presence in court is the only step that will convince Nigerians that his touted submission to the EFCC which was widely reported in the media on September 18, was not a stunt.
“The EFCC is not unaware of the fact that corruption fights back. Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage.
“The EFCC is not running a circus show. Corruption issues should not be turned into a theatre of the absurd. Those who harbour a criminal suspect should know that the act is also a criminal offence which is also punishable in law.
“While the EFCC is assuring the public of its unfaltering focus and commitment to continue to tackle every issue of economic and financial crime without fear or favour, there is a need to remind Nigerians that corruption does fight back and caution and restraint should always be exercised in responding to the operational mechanics and dynamics of the Commission.
“The EFCC would continue with its no sacred cow policy, no matter whose ox is gored.”
(Vanguard)
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