How Yahaya Bello, a former governor and well-known politician became a fugitive within a twinkle of an eye still remains a mystery to many.
However, to many others, Bello’s case is not a surprising one.
These persons are of the opinion that Nigerian politicians and corruption are like ‘5 and 6’.
Surprisingly, they are not far from the truth.
You see, Yahaya Bello may be the one on the wanted list at the moment, but trust us, he is not the first and he will definitely not be the last.
On Wednesday, reports surfaced indicating that the former Kogi State Governor had finally honoured the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extended to him five months ago.
Yahaya Bello Vs EFCC
Bello faces serious legal challenges, including a 19-count charge for alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80.2 billion.
Things got worse for Bello in April as he was declared wanted by the EFCC.
According to the agency, Bello repeatedly ignored invitations and resisted arrest.
The commission’s efforts to apprehend him escalated on April 17, when operatives attempted to arrest him at his residence in Abuja but were unsuccessful.
However, the anti-graft agency clarified that it does not currently have Bello in custody, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his response to their invitation.
Well, as we earlier mentioned, Bello is not the only politician on the EFCC radar.
Also Read: Confusion As Yahaya Bello ‘Visits’ EFCC
The EFCC has been prosecuting 34 former governors for corruption-related offences.
While some cases are ongoing, several have been dismissed, and notably, six former governors have already been convicted.
Below is a list of governors’ and their respective charges:
1. Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto: 1999 – 2007) 25-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and diversion of public funds, ₦4.6 Billion.
2. Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara: 2011 – 2019) 12-count charge bordering on alleged mismanagement of public funds, ₦10 billion.
3. Gabriel Suswam (Benue 2007 – 2015) 11-count charge bordering on money laundering, ₦3.1 billion.
4. Murtala Nyako (Adamawa 2007 – 2014) 37-count charge of criminal conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and money laundering, ₦29 billion.
5. Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa 2007 – 2011) 42-count charge against Sylva for allegedly stealing state fund, ₦19.2 billion.
6. Sule Lamido (Jigawa 2007 – 2015) 37 amended charges bordering on money laundering, ₦1.35 billion.
7. Ayo Fayose Ekiti (2003 – 2006; 2014 – 2018) Fraud and money laundering, ₦6.9 billion.
8. Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu 1999 – 2007) Money laundering from state treasury, ₦5.3 billion.
9. Sullivan Chime (Enugu 2007 – 2015) Charged for the role he played in the spending of a campaign fund that originated from Dieziani Allison-Madueke, ₦23 billion.
10. Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa 1999 – 2007) 149-count charge of fraud, ₦15 billion.
11. Danjuma Goje (Gombe 2003 – 2011) Diversion of state funds, ₦25 billion.
12. Peter Odili (Rivers 1999 – 2007) Diversion of state funds, ₦100 billion.
13. Abubakar Audu (Kogi 1999 – 2003) 36-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds, ₦10 billion.
14. Gbenga Daniel (Ogun 2003 – 2011) 38-count charge of stealing public funds, bribery, fraudulent conversion of public property and false declaration of assets, ₦211 million.
15. Saminu Turaki (Jigawa 1999 – 2007) 32-count charge of corruption and money laundering, ₦36 billion.
16. Rochas Okorocha (Imo 2011 – 2019) 17-count charges bordering on conspiracy, stealing, conversion of public funds, and money laundering, ₦3 billion.
17. Ikedi Ohakim (Imo 2007 – 2011) Prosecuted for making a $2 million payment for land purchase, $2 million.
18. Jonah Jang (Plateau 2007 – 2015) Criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of state funds, ₦6.3 billion.
19. Usman Dakingari (Kebbi 2007 – 2015) 13-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering, ₦450 million.
20. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna 2012 – 2015) Illegal disbursement of campaign funds, ₦750 million.
21. Ibrahim Shema (Katsina 2007 – 2015) 22-count charge of criminal breach of trust, forgery and abuse of office, ₦11 billion.
22. Rashidi Ladoja (Oyo 2003 – 2006; 2006 – 2007) Fraud, ₦4.6 billion.
23. Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo 2007 – 2011) 11-count charge bordering on alleged criminal conspiracy and fraudulent practices, ₦11.5 billion.
24. Aliyu Akwe-Doma (Nasarawa 2007 – 2011) 10-count charge bordering on financial crimes, ₦8 billion.
25. James Ngilari (Adamawa 2007 – 2008) Violation of procurement laws in the award of a contract, ₦167 million.
26. Willie Obiano (Anambra 2014 – 2022) Nine-count charges bordering on money laundering, diversion of funds, stealing, and corruption, ₦4 billion.
27. Joshua Dariye (Plateau 1999 – 2004; 2004 – 2006) Misappropriation of public funds, ₦1.1 billion.
28. Jolly Nyame (Taraba 1999 – 2007) Abuse of office and diversion of public funds, ₦1.64 billion.
29. Lucky Igbinedion (Edo 1999 – 2007) Embezzlement of state funds, ₦2.9 billion.
30. James Ibori (Delta 1999 – 2007) Money laundering and related offences, £50 million.
31. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa 1999 – 2005) Money laundering and corruption offences, More than $30 million.
32. Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia 1999 – 2007) 36-count charge that included the diversion of public fund, ₦7.1 billion.
33. Yahaya Bello (Kogi 2016-2024) Bello currently faces a 19-count alleged money laundering charge, ₦80.2 billion
