The presidency has requested that Yahaya Bello, Kogi State’s ex-governor, present himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and acquire legal representation. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, made this statement via his X account on Thursday.
Earlier Thursday, the EFCC announced Bello was wanted in connection to a money laundering case involving ₦80 billion. The anti-graft agency had besieged Bello’s residence in Abuja on Wednesday, intending to effect his arrest. However, Bello’s successor, Usman Ododo, intervened and escorted him away from the location, leading to the EFCC’s withdrawal.
Despite being summoned for court proceedings on Thursday, Bello was notably absent, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted. The agency expressed its determination to execute the arrest warrant, even potentially involving the military if necessary.
In response to a post announcing Bello’s wanted status on the EFCC’s X account, Onanuga advised him to surrender himself and seek legal counsel. “Yahaya Bello, where can you escape to? It’s wiser for you to surrender to the EFCC and secure the services of a competent lawyer,” he remarked.
