Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has once again answered the call of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning over allegations of misappropriating state funds. Bello visited the EFCC office in Abuja on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his legal team.
The visit comes on the heels of a recent Supreme Court ruling that dismissed challenges to the constitutionality of the EFCC, clearing the way for continued investigations into corruption cases. Bello reportedly drove himself in a black Hilux vehicle to the EFCC’s headquarters, where he was seen entering with his lawyers.
Though there had been rumors last week about his potential visit to the EFCC, the former governor’s media team declined to comment on the matter at the time. Bello’s appearance at the anti-graft agency is linked to fresh charges concerning alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.
The case, which is currently before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, was adjourned last week. During the previous hearing on November 14, the EFCC had requested an extension to serve Bello with the summons, citing the 30-day window for the formal notice to be issued. The court had agreed to adjourn the matter to November 27 for the next stage of the proceedings.
The EFCC had also secured administrative bail for Bello’s co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, but the case against Bello continues as he faces charges of financial mismanagement. The trial judge has set a new date for his arraignment.
Bello’s latest appearance at the EFCC underscores the ongoing legal challenges he faces over allegations of corruption and abuse of office during his time as governor of Kogi State.
