Olukoyede Stands by His Word: EFCC Brings Bello to Court or I Resign

 

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has said the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is still ongoing and that the commission has fully discharged its responsibility.

Olukoyede had famously declared in April 2024 that he would resign if Bello was not prosecuted. “If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as EFCC Chairman,” he had warned.

In an exclusive interview with Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Olukoyede insisted that while the case has attracted public attention, it remains under court review.

“Have I not shown commitment? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is still in court. I have three cases against him. Am I the judge who determines conviction? I have done my work and fulfilled my mandate. Nigerians must recognise that and encourage us to do more,” he said.

Bello faces a 16-count charge of alleged property fraud amounting to N110 billion, alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. He is also being tried at the Federal High Court on a separate 19-count charge of N80.2 billion fraud and money laundering.

The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024 over an alleged N80 billion financial crime. According to Olukoyede, the former governor transferred $720,000 from the Kogi State government account to a bureau de change before leaving office to pay his child’s school fees in advance.

“A sitting governor, anticipating his exit, moved government funds to a bureau de change for personal use. In a poor state like Kogi, should I turn a blind eye?” Olukoyede said, emphasising the need for accountability.

The EFCC chairman also highlighted that high-profile corruption cases often take time to reach a conclusion, but stressed that the commission under his leadership remains relentless.

“Leadership is not just about words; it is about action. Nigerians must see that we are committed to pursuing justice wherever it is due,” Olukoyede added.