The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, recently disclosed that Yahaya Bello, a former governor of Kogi State, transferred $720,000 from the government's funds to a bureau de change before leaving office.
This amount was intended to be used as an advance payment for his child's school fees.
During an interview with the PUNCH on Tuesday, Olukoyede expressed his concerns about the situation. He highlighted that a sitting governor had knowingly moved money directly from the government to a bureau de change, using it to pay for his child's school fees in advance. The sum of $720,000 was transferred in anticipation of his departure from the Government House.
According to the PUNCH, Olukoyede emphasized the irony of such actions taking place in a financially struggling state like Kogi. He questioned the expectation for him to turn a blind eye to this under the pretense of being manipulated or used by others, especially at this stage of his career.
The EFCC Chairman also revealed to PUCH that he personally reached out to Bello, extending an invitation for him to clarify the situation in a respectful setting within the EFCC office. However, the former governor declined the offer, citing concerns about potential harassment from an unidentified woman.
Olukoyede clarified that he inherited the case file and took the initiative to review it. Recognizing the issues at hand, he decided to contact Bello directly, despite it not being his usual protocol. He wanted to honor Bello as an immediate past governor and provide an opportunity for him to address the concerns raised in the case file.
However, Bello declined the invitation, claiming that he was being surrounded and intimidated by a large group of people orchestrated by a woman.
In response, Olukoyede said he assured Bello that he would personally ensure his safety and respect his dignity by conducting the interview within the EFCC office. He even offered to have Bello enter through a separate entrance to avoid any potential embarrassment.
Olukoyede believed that this approach would be the most honorable and respectful way to address Bello's concerns and alleviate his fears.
Olukoyede expressed his strong belief in the importance of progress in the country, stressing the necessity for the EFCC's continued existence. He highlighted the agency's role in assisting numerous victims who have suffered financial losses, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to recover funds for those affected.
Olukoyede clean to PUNCH that the EFCC chairman, has made a commitment to step down from his position if Yahaya Bello is not prosecuted.
Credited to Punch Online.
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