Yahaya Bello Withdrew $720,000 for His Child’s School Fee — EFCC Accuses
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has accused former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, of improperly transferring $720,000 from state funds to a currency exchange service for personal use, Excel Magazine International reports.
According to Olukoyede, the money was paid in advance for his child’s school fees shortly before Bello left office.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Olukoyede described the transaction as particularly egregious given the state’s economic condition.
“In a poor state like Kogi, and you want me to close my eyes to that under the guise of ‘I’m being used’?” he questioned, dismissing any suggestion of being influenced to overlook the matter.
The EFCC chief also disclosed his personal attempt to engage Bello in a dialogue to address the allegations.
Despite offering the former governor a respectful opportunity to clarify the situation at the EFCC office, he said, Bello reportedly declined, citing potential harassment.
“He suggested instead that the EFCC should visit his village for any investigative activity, which is not standard procedure,” Olukoyede added.
Highlighting his tenure’s accomplishments, Olukoyede noted that the EFCC has recovered approximately N120 billion and achieved over 1,600 convictions in the past six months alone.
He reiterated the commission’s role in fighting corruption, “We are committed to advancing the country’s interests and ensuring justice for victims of financial crimes.”
The EFCC plans to arraign Bello on 19 counts of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.
Olukoyede has vowed to resign if Bello is not prosecuted, signaling the severity of the charges and his commitment to accountability.
