Ex-Kogi Gov ,Yahaya Bello, declared wanted by EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted with immediate effect.

This came after the former governor failed to show up for his arraignment over alleged N84 billion in money laundering on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.

In a notice posted on the commission’s official social media platforms on Thursday, the anti-graft body announced that the “Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 bn.

“Anybody with information as to his whereabout should report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.”

Recall that the anti-graft agency laid siege to the residence of Bello in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The top politician from the north-central part of the country refused arrest despite hours of siege laid on his residence by the EFCC.

In response to the incident, the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sent out a strong warning to the public, declaring that it is illegal to prevent the commission’s officers from performing their legitimate tasks.

It is made explicit that obstructing EFCC officers is punished by up to five years in prison under Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, the anti-graft agency said.

The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission wishes to warn members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

“Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“This warning becomes necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order. Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions.”