The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has made a bold declaration, asserting his commitment to ensuring the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. Speaking to journalists at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Olukoyede stated that he would resign from his position if Bello is not brought to justice.
Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC is determined to see the prosecution of all individuals who obstructed the arrest of the former governor. Bello is facing charges related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
The EFCC’s resolve comes amidst legal proceedings against Bello. Following his absence in court for his arraignment on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the EFCC to serve a copy of the charge sheet to Bello’s lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohamed.
In response to Bello’s absence, Justice Nwite invoked the provisions of the Administrative and Criminal Justice Act 2015, allowing for substituted service of legal processes when personal service is impractical. Despite initial resistance from Bello’s lawyer, the judge compelled him to accept the charges and proof of evidence.
Bello’s legal team argued against the validity of the EFCC’s actions, alleging that the organization was illegal. They claimed that the EFCC Act required ratification by the various state Houses of Assembly before becoming operational, a step they asserted was not taken.
In contrast, the EFCC’s counsel urged the court to dismiss Bello’s applications and maintain the warrant of arrest until he makes himself available for trial. The EFCC had previously issued a bench warrant against Bello due to his persistent absence in court and evasion of criminal charges.
The legal proceedings surrounding Bello’s case are a revelation of the EFCC’s determination to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption, while also highlighting the complexities and challenges inherent in prosecuting high-profile individuals.
