BREAKING: EFCC detains ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged N80.2bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the detention of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over allegations of misappropriation of funds.

Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, disclosed to journalists on Tuesday that Bello was arrested at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, by a team of operatives.

“Yes, we have him in our custody,” Oyewale said, confirming the development.

The former governor, who arrived at the EFCC office with his legal team earlier in the day, had been declared wanted by the commission on April 18, 2024, in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case.

Sources indicate that Bello is being held for further investigation following his alleged failure to honor previous invitations. His co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, were earlier granted administrative bail, while the EFCC sought an extension for Bello’s court summons during a November 14 hearing.

Bello is expected to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the ongoing investigation.