OLUKOYEDE REVEALS HOW EFCC’S INVITE FOR INTERROGATION TO YAHAYA BELLO WAS DECLINED
Read Time:1 Minute, 38 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has unveiled his personal endeavors to summon former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in response to investigations into purported money laundering activities amounting to a staggering sum of N80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).
Speaking at the EFCC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Olukoyede addressed media executives, disclosing his attempts to engage Bello in discussions regarding the allegations. Despite extending invitations for interrogation, Bello purportedly declined, citing concerns of intimidation by an alleged entourage of journalists.
“I personally reached out to him out of respect for his former gubernatorial position. However, his reluctance persisted, suggesting an alternative venue for interrogation,” Olukoyede remarked.
Expressing concern over reported financial discrepancies, Olukoyede highlighted a concerning instance where funds were allegedly diverted from government accounts for personal use. “A sitting governor purportedly preempted his departure by diverting government funds to pay his children’s education fees, totaling $720,000,” he revealed.
In addition to the ongoing probe, Olukoyede unveiled the EFCC’s discovery of a clandestine trading scheme known as P to P (Peer to Peer), aimed at circumventing official financial channels. With over 300 linked accounts frozen, the EFCC is actively combatting such fraudulent activities to safeguard the integrity of the foreign exchange market.
Asserting the Commission’s commitment to national economic prosperity, Olukoyede emphasized its significant role in combating financial crimes and facilitating growth. He cited recent achievements, including the recovery of over N120 billion from fraudulent activities and the successful prosecution of more than 1300 offenders within six months.
Olukoyede called upon Nigerian citizens to rally behind the EFCC in its mission, underscoring the collective responsibility in upholding national interests. “Supporting the EFCC equates to fostering Nigeria’s progress. We all share a stake in our nation’s welfare,” he concluded.
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