Submit yourself to EFCC and get a good lawyer - Presidency tells Yahaya Bello

Submit yourself to EFCC and get a good lawyer – Presidency tells Yahaya Bello

Yahaya Bello, ex-Kogi Gov. granted N500m bail in money laundering trial

The presidency has asked Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and get a good lawyer to defend himself.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, said this on his X account on Thursday.

The EFCC declared Bello wanted on Thursday over a case of money laundering amounting to ₦80 billion.

The anti-graft agency on Wednesday laid siege at the Abuja residence of the former governor on Wednesday in a move to get him arrested. The EFCC left the residence after Bello’s successor, Usman Ododo, stormed the location and whisked him away.

Bello was also absent for the court proceedings on Thursday prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted. The agency said it is intended to carry out the arrest warrant issued for the former governor, potentially involving the military if necessary.

Reacting to a post declaring Bello wanted on the EFCC’s X account, Onanuga said it is better for the former Kogi governor to submit himself and get a good lawyer.

“Yahaya Bello, where will you run to? It’s better you submit yourself to the EFCC and get a good lawyer,” he said.

Taofeek Oyedokun

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.