Adeyanju said when the money is recovered, it should be used as reparation for the damages done to Kogi people by the ex-Gov
By Kehinde Okeowo
Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure it arrests and prosecutes former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
He made the call on Wednesday via a statement he made available to journalists in Abuja.
The anti-graft agency recently accused Bello of laundering N80.2billion while he was in office as governor.
The immediate past Governor alongside three others are currently facing 19 count charges on alleged money laundering.
A few months ago, an attempt by the EFCC to arrest Bello from his Abuja residence failed.
But, the former governor on Wednesday
claimed that he stormed EFCC’s office but was not interrogated.
According to his media office, which announced the development, the decision to surrender was made after consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
However, EFCC in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, denied the claim, insisting Bello remained wanted with a subsisting warrant of arrest.
“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
ALSO READ: EFCC counters Yahaya Bello’s aide, says ex-Kogi Governor still a Wanted Man, not in their custody
Reacting to the development, Adeyanju urged EFCC to recover all the state funds from Bello.
He added that when the money is recovered, it should be used as reparation for the damages done to the people of Kogi State by the ex-governor.
Speaking via the statement, Adeyanju said: “I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately arrest and prosecute Yahaya Bello, who, along with three others, is facing 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
“The misappropriation of such a vast amount, meant for the people of Kogi State, is an injustice that must not go unpunished.
“These funds should be recovered and used as reparation for the damages done to the people of Kogi State, who continue to suffer from poor infrastructure and underdevelopment. It is in the best interest of the state that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“Furthermore, I call on the EFCC to recover any other funds allegedly looted from Kogi State by Bello and his proxies and assure the agency that all Nigerians are solidly behind it in its quest to ensure that Bello is held accountable for his actions.
“I also urge the government to act swiftly and ensure that Yahaya Bello is brought to justice. His prosecution is not only a legal necessity but a moral obligation.”
