The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has conducted a raid on the Abuja home of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, situated in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory.
Armed EFCC personnel were seen laying siege to the ex-governor’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, as depicted in photographs captured on Wednesday.
As of the time of reporting, the reason behind the siege remains unconfirmed, as EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale did not respond to inquiries.
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However, the EFCC had previously brought charges against Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali, along with Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalam Hudu before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in March 2024, in connection with an alleged N84 billion money laundering scheme.
Responding to the situation, the ex-governor’s media office issued a statement condemning the EFCC’s actions and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
The media office highlighted that the siege violated a court injunction granted on February 9, 2024, by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, restraining the EFCC from harassing or prosecuting Bello pending the determination of a fundamental rights enforcement action.
Despite this, the EFCC proceeded with the raid, prompting criticism from Bello’s media team, who accused the agency of disregarding lawful orders.
The media office further alleged that the EFCC was attempting to tarnish Bello’s reputation with baseless accusations, including charges dating back to September 2015.
These charges accuse Bello of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N84,062,406,089.88.
Prior to these charges, Bello’s nephew Ali Bello was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged money laundering involving N10 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government.
However, the state government rejected these allegations, criticizing the EFCC and questioning the agency’s commitment to combating corruption.
While Bello and Hudu remain at large, Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, who appeared in court, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.”
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