Olukoyede made the statement during an interview on Sunday Politics aired by Channels Television.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede,has reiterated his commitment to personally oversee the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Olukoyede made the statement during an interview on Sunday Politics aired by Channels Television.
He alleged that Bello, aware he was about to leave office, transferred funds directly from the state government to a bureau de change to pay his child’s school fees in advance, amounting to $720,000.
Describing the act as shocking, Olukoyede said, “In a poor state like Kogi, you want me to close my eyes to that under the excuse that I am being used? Being used by who at this stage of my life?”
The EFCC chairman recalled a public promise he made in April 2024, vowing to resign if Bello was not prosecuted. “If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the chairman of the EFCC,” he had said.
Addressing concerns over the pace of the case, Olukoyede insisted the commission had done its work and that the matter is now before the courts. “Have I not fulfilled that promise? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is in court,” he said, adding that the EFCC investigates and prosecutes, but does not determine guilt.
“I have three cases against Yahaya Bello. Am I the judge who will decide conviction? I have done my work and fulfilled my mandate,” Olukoyede emphasised.
Bello is currently facing multiple charges. He stands trial on a 16-count charge of alleged property fraud worth N110 billion, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
In a separate case at the Federal High Court, Bello faces a 19-count charge of alleged fraud and money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted in April 2024 over alleged financial crimes estimated at N80 billion, sparking widespread political debate.
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