In a recent interview, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Ola Olukoyede reiterated his dedication to prosecuting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, emphasizing that the commission has fulfilled its investigative and prosecutorial roles.
With Bello facing multiple high-profile charges, the cases continue to unfold in Nigerian courts, drawing public scrutiny and debates over accountability in governance.
Latest Developments
As of January 13, 2026, Yahaya Bello’s legal battles remain active, with the EFCC maintaining that the trials are proceeding according to judicial processes.
The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, recently stated that Bello’s renewed political activities, including his December 2025 announcement of a senatorial bid within the All Progressives Congress (APC), will not impact the ongoing prosecutions.
Uwujaren emphasized the EFCC’s focus on evidence presentation, independent of party affairs, and noted that Bello is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Court proceedings have seen adjournments, with one trial rescheduled to January 29, 2026, following rulings on interim forfeiture orders related to Bello’s alleged properties.
Bello remains on bail, allowing him to engage in political activities while the EFCC insists on pursuing the charges diligently.
Why Yahaya Bello Faces Prosecution
The prosecution of Yahaya Bello stems from allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as Kogi State Governor.
Central to the case is the claim that Bello transferred $720,000 from state government accounts to a bureau de change as an advance payment for his child’s school fees, anticipating his exit from office.
Olukoyede described this as a blatant misuse of public funds in a economically challenged state like Kogi, questioning attempts to dismiss the investigations as politically motivated.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted in April 2024 over suspected financial crimes totaling around N80 billion, sparking a nationwide manhunt and political controversy.
Investigations revealed patterns of fraud, money laundering, and property acquisition allegedly funded by illicit means, prompting the commission to file charges to hold him accountable and deter similar abuses of power.
The Charges Against Him
Yahaya Bello faces two major sets of charges in separate courts. In one case before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, he is arraigned on a 19-count charge involving fraud and money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
This includes accusations of diverting state funds for personal use, such as the aforementioned school fee payment.
Additionally, Bello is on trial alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge related to property fraud valued at N110 billion.
These allegations involve the unlawful acquisition and concealment of assets. The EFCC has presented witnesses and evidence in ongoing hearings, with the cases emphasizing breaches of financial regulations and anti-corruption laws.
* EFCC Chairman previous statement*
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede has been vocal about the Bello case since assuming office.
In April 2024, he publicly vowed to resign if he failed to oversee the completion of the investigation and prosecution, stating, “If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the chairman of the EFCC.”
In a recent interview, Olukoyede defended his stance, asserting that he has fulfilled his promise by investigating Bello, filing charges, and advancing the cases to court.
”Have I not made good that promise of commitment? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is still in court,” he said.
He clarified that the EFCC’s role ends at prosecution, leaving convictions to the judiciary, and urged Nigerians to support the agency while allowing the legal process to unfold.
Olukoyede also highlighted three active cases against Bello, emphasizing his mandate’s completion despite public impatience.
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