The Kogi State Government has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of collaborating with political adversaries to smear the reputation of former Governor Yahaya Bello in connection with an alleged misappropriation of state funds totaling billions of naira.
According to reports, the EFCC recently amended a charge, including Yahaya Bello’s name in a suit pending before Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022 FRN V. 1). The amended charge alleges that the former Governor is “at large.”
In response, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, issued a press statement vehemently denying any wrongdoing on the part of the state government. Fanwo clarified that no funds were missing from the state coffers and challenged the EFCC’s allegations.
The statement clarified that the original charge was against Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, with Yahaya Bello accused of conspiracy to convert a significant sum of money, amounting to N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo). It further pointed out inconsistencies in the year cited for the alleged diversion of funds.
Emphasizing the state government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Fanwo warned against political interference in Kogi State affairs and urged the EFCC to retract its allegations. He called upon the President to intervene and uphold the integrity of the EFCC, cautioning against allowing the agency to be drawn into political battles.
The Kogi State Government’s stance underscores its determination to defend the reputation of its former Governor and maintain the state’s commitment to good governance.
