N80.2 billion Fraud: Bello, EFCC and The Rule of Law

By Ahmad Nas

Corruption is certainly not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. Rather, it has long been an intrinsic element of Nigerian society affecting virtually all spheres of the West African country.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that corruption is culturally acceptable because members of the family, tribe or ethnic group benefit from an individual’s ill-gotten gains.

To highlight the importance of anti-corruption for socio-economic growth — which is being raised globally — the anti-graft agency; EFCC, has arrested, detained and even prosecuted some public office holders including formers governors, ministers managing directors and many other public officials.

Unfulfilled promises and disappointed expectations of the past are mainly responsible for the seeming apathy and disillusionment about elected leaders. Democratic leadership is about honest service to the people without seeking material rewards in return. The race is not about personal benefit but passion to use wealth of experience in the service of the people.

In the wake of Bello Gate corruption allegation ,there have been series of distorted information on the facts of the matter being investigated by the EFCC.Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.The EFCC had laid siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud case.

Despite the operation, Ododo allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest, leveraging the immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.The incident follows a similar attempt in April, where Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during another raid in Abuja.On Wednesday, after a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, the commission denied having Bello in custody.

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that Bello was not detained, despite claims by Bello’s media team that he had visited the agency.On Wednesday, after a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, the commission denied having Bello in custody.

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that Bello was not detained, despite claims by Bello’s media team that he had visited the agency.EFCC officials indicated that Ododo’s actions prevented them from arresting Bello, stating that his governorship immunity hindered the operatives from taking further action.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has vowed that no one involved in economic or financial crimes would be spared by the commission.

Olukoyede disclosed this recently at an anti-corruption concert organized to create greater awareness and public involvement in the fight against internet crimes.

Olukoyede pointed to the strides being made since he assumed office a couple of months ago and reaffirmed his commitment to an all-embracing, fully integrated war against corrupt practices. ‘We will not spare anyone. We will not spare the mega thieves. As we are doing the mega, we will also do those at the lower end”.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the government commission tasked with countering corruption and fraud which Olukayode literally transformed into one of the most effective and modern . Yet, his major tribute to anti-corruption crusade was his selflessness, resilience and exemplary conduct in his spirited fight against the cankerworm.He courageously brought to book hundreds of fraudsters, scores of high profile looters and economic saboteurs in spite of temptation, booby traps and threats to life since his appointment in 2023.

Since the appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede as chairman of the commission in October 2023, there is no doubt that the fight against corruption has taken a new outlook. The EFCC under Olukoyede has recorded unprecedented success in the recovery of looted funds and prosecution of suspected fraudsters, both the from top to bottom alike. Never in the history of the commission has such a huge amount of money in national and international currencies recovered from looters.

EFCC is reported to have secured 3,175 convictions and recovered N156,276,691,242.30 between May 29, 2023 and now . Foreign cash seizures are also as follows $43,835,214.24, £25,365.00, €186,947.10, ₹51,360.00, C$3,750.00, A$740.00, ¥74,754.00, R35,000.00, 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals and 21,580,867,631 Crypto Currency.

Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in every piece, stories should be balanced and add context. Objectivity is not always possible, and may not always be desirable but impartial and objective reporting builds trust and confidence.

The case of Former Governor Yahya Bello is not the first former governor to appear before the commission since 2007 dozens of former governors have appeared before the commission to clear their names off corruption. What is special about Yahaaya Bello? The former Governor Bello should stop this drama and should present himself to EFCC with immediate alacrity in the interest of transparency, accountability and rule of law. As the saying goes: “A clean conscience fears no accusation”.

Nas is a Public Commentator based in Abuja