JUST IN: Yahaya Bello presents self to EFCC

The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

A statement by his media office confirmed that the former governor went to the office with his lawyers on Tuesday morning, following the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed states’ case on the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency.

Bello reportedly drove himself in a black hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.

the EFCC had charged the former governor with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

In April, the commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts to arrest him proved unsuccessful.

On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.

Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, would later allege that Bello withdrew $720,000 from Kogi’s coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance.

The anti-graft agency also filed a 19-count charge against Bello over alleged money laundering.

However, the arraignment was stalled due to the absence of the former governor.

In May, Abdulwahab Mohammed, counsel to Bello, told the court that the former governor’s whereabouts remain unknown and that he was nurturing some safety concerns.

On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, had said the court’s ruling was a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.