Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who handed over to his successor, Usman Ododo, on 27 January, has been charged with corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This move came just days after the end of his tenure in office, stripping him of the constitutional immunity that protected him from criminal prosecution.

Mr. Bello was charged with diverting over N80 billion, as per an existing case in which his nephew and an associate were accused of misappropriating Kogi State funds. The EFCC amended the charges to include the former governor as a co-defendant, adding a few additional counts.

In response, the Kogi State Government, through Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, condemned the charges. Fanwo criticized the EFCC’s action, noting that the case was already before the Federal High Court in Abuja and that Mr. Bello’s inclusion was baseless. He emphasized that the alleged offense occurred in September 2015, before Mr. Bello assumed office as governor.

The amended charge accuses Mr. Bello of converting N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government for personal use. Fanwo dismissed the allegations as ludicrous, highlighting that Mr. Bello was not even in office at the time of the alleged offense. He criticized the EFCC’s tactics, labeling them as desperate and politically motivated.

Fanwo called on the President to intervene and uphold the integrity of the EFCC, warning against the agency’s exploitation for political agendas. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, refuting claims of missing funds and vowing to defend the government’s integrity.

The statement also recounted previous instances where the EFCC falsely accused the Kogi State Government of financial misconduct, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fighting baseless allegations.

In conclusion, Fanwo urged the people of Kogi State to remain calm and law-abiding amidst the EFCC’s provocations, reassuring them of the government’s dedication to their welfare and the state’s development.

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