Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is set to face arraignment in court today following his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
Bello, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters on Tuesday at approximately 12:55 PM, was reportedly accompanied by three lawyers. Upon arrival, he was detained by the Chief Security Officer to the EFCC Chairman and subsequently handed over to the commission’s Special Duty Unit (SDU) for interrogation.
Special Unit Assigned to High-Profile Case
Sources within the EFCC revealed that Bello’s case, which involves alleged mismanagement of N80.2 billion, is being handled by the SDU due to its significance.
“The ex-governor’s case is of interest to Nigerians, which is why a Special Duty Unit is handling it. This unit is comprised of crack detectives and reports directly to the Executive Chairman of the commission,” a source disclosed.
It was also learned that the EFCC plans to question Bello regarding an additional N110 billion fraud case after addressing the current charges.
Conflicting Accounts of Arrest
While the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Bello is in the agency’s custody, a source close to the former governor contested claims of his arrest.
“The ex-governor voluntarily reported to the EFCC alongside his lawyers. How can EFCC claim to have arrested a leader who willingly visited their office?” the source queried.
Arraignment Proceedings
According to insiders, the EFCC has filed charges against Bello in the Federal High Court in Maitama and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“All is set for the trial of Bello,” an EFCC source confirmed.
The allegations against Bello have attracted public attention, making this a high-stakes case for the anti-graft agency. Nigerians are closely watching to see how the trial unfolds.
