Renowned journalist Dele Momodu has lodged an accusation against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging a “misfire” in their ongoing proceedings against the former governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.

Momodu contended that the EFCC fell short of thorough investigation in their scrutiny of Bello’s activities.

During an Instagram Live session, the distinguished figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) censured the EFCC’s assertions regarding Bello’s use of public funds to prepay his children’s educational expenses before his term’s conclusion.

He criticized the EFCC’s approach in their bid to prosecute Bello, emphasizing that the commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, should have gleaned lessons from the fates of his predecessors, whom he described as being “ousted disgracefully.”

Momodu remarked, “Upon the appointment of the new chairman, I anticipated a learning curve from past incumbents. They all met humiliating ends, and were ousted disgracefully. If I occupied the current chairman’s position, I would ensure meticulous, professional, and efficient execution of duties. Abiding by legal protocols is foolproof.”

Reflecting on the EFCC chairman’s recent statements, Momodu expressed distress, “I nearly shed tears witnessing his vehement rhetoric, threats, and fiery demeanor. Engaging in media sensationalism is unwarranted.”

In response to inquiries about the veracity of EFCC’s claims against Bello, Momodu responded, “I cannot attest to EFCC’s accuracy, as I am not affiliated with them. However, based on extensive readings, their judgment seems flawed. That’s the stark reality. They failed to conduct thorough investigations.”

“Alleging that a man withdrew funds to cover his children’s educational costs just before relinquishing power, and discovering that these transactions commenced in 2021, 2022 (chuckles); I am not uninformed,” Momodu added.

The EFCC had accused Bello and three associates of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion during his tenure as governor.

Olukoyede additionally accused Bello of withdrawing $720,000 to fund his children’s education before stepping down from office.

Bello, the former governor, vehemently denied these allegations.

The Court of Appeal has overturned the Lokoja High Court’s order in a contempt case involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, brought by Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

Presided over by Justice Joseph O.K. Oyewole, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC’s motion for a stay of execution and proceedings in the contempt case pending before the Kogi State High Court. The court found merit in the motion ex parte and scheduled the hearing of the motion on notice for May 20, 2024.

Additionally, the court ordered that all legal documents related to the case be posted at Yahaya Bello’s last known address in Abuja as a form of substituted service.

This decision by the appellate court effectively halts the contempt proceedings against the EFCC and its chairman and allows the appeal filed by the anti-graft agency against the Lokoja High Court’s ruling to move forward.

The case is identified as EFCC vs. Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has adjourned until May 9 for the defense to review extra evidence provided by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the case against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele faces charges of $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

In a brief ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi stated that he had reviewed arguments from both sides and found the defense’s reasons for the adjournment satisfactory.

He said: “I have considered the conflicting submissions regarding whether I should adjourn for further continuation of trial or not. I am satisfied with the reasons given by the defence. For the adjournment sought, I grant it. I adjourned until May 9 for continuation of trial.”

Earlier, counsel for the ex- CBN governor, Olalekan Ojo, had informed the court that the prosecution had filed an additional proof of evidence and he needed enough time to go through it.

Ojo argued that Emefiele had not seen the document and that justice rushed was justice crushed.

“I am constrained at this point to ask your lordship to do justice, the proof must be served early enough but I was being served this morning.

“Defence may find anything useful in the additional proof of evidence to cross-examine the witness in the box.
“I humbly urge the court to adjourn this matter so that I can thoroughly go through it and study it,” he said.

The second defense counsel, Mr. Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN), echoed the sentiments of the first defense counsel.

Kotoye argued that in this region, it was uncommon for the prosecution to conduct investigations while a case was already in progress in court. He urged the court to adjourn the proceedings to ensure justice and provide ample time to review the additional evidence.

The EFCC Counsel, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the second prosecution witness was present for cross-examination continuation. Oyedepo had served the defense with the statement of Mr. John Adetola as additional evidence.

Opposing the defense’s request for adjournment, Oyedepo asked the court to proceed with the cross-examination. He expressed disappointment at the defense’s portrayal of his team’s actions as unfair, especially coming from a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Oyedepo clarified that Adetola was the fifth prosecution witness in the evidence. Adetola’s statement had been included in Volume Two of the evidence served on the defense on April 4th.

He said: “In preparation for his testimony that will be coming up not today, not even on May 9, the prosecution, rather than wait for the defence to formally place a demand on us on what is in the device, diligent prosecution made me make the device available to defence.

“My lord, how does that amount to prosecutorial unfairness? I plead with the defence not to delay this case unnecessarily as we have a witness in the box who has given evidence and he is being cross-examined by the first defence counsel.”

The EFCC, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, has intensified its pursuit of legal action against Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, and Hadi Sirika, a former Minister of Aviation, for alleged embezzlement of public funds.

Bello, who is currently wanted by the EFCC, is accused of embezzling around N80 billion from the Kogi state treasury.

The anti-corruption agency aims to bring him to court on 19 charges related to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion.

Last week, EFCC attempted to arrest Bello at his residence in Abuja to prosecute him for alleged crimes committed during his tenure as governor.

STEADY GIST reported that EFCC officers, along with armed security personnel, cordoned off Bello’s home in Abuja, blocking access to his residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4.

However, Governor Usman Ododo intervened, allegedly helping Bello escape in his official vehicle.

This action led to conflicting court orders regarding Bello’s arrest.

One order from a Kogi State High Court in Lokoja prohibited EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello without court authorization, emphasizing the protection of his fundamental human rights.

But EFCC obtained a warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja to arrest Bello for his scheduled arraignment.

During the court session, Bello did not appear, prompting EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Phinro, to suggest that his absence was a tactic to delay the trial.

On Tuesday, EFCC’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, expressed determination to prosecute Bello vigorously and threatened to resign if the ex-governor escaped justice.

Olukoyede revealed that Bello withdrew $720,000 from government funds and transferred it to a Bureau de Change to prepay his child’s school fees.

He criticized Bello for misusing public funds in a state like Kogi, signaling his resolve to pursue the case despite any attempts to impede justice.

Previously, Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, urged Bello to surrender to EFCC, emphasizing that there was nowhere for him to hide.

This call came after EFCC declared Bello wanted for alleged financial misconduct amounting to N80.2 billion.

Additionally, EFCC interrogated former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika for an alleged N8 billion fraud related to Nigeria Air.

Olukoyede clarified that EFCC’s investigations into the Aviation and Humanitarian Affairs ministries were comprehensive, targeting systemic corruption rather than individual cases alone.

In his post on X on Tuesday, Odinkalu said: “Since it went after #Bobrisky, @officialEFCC has suddenly woken up. But some people will tell you public pressure doesn’t matter sha….!”

In recent developments, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, made a striking statement, describing lawyers as facilitators for hire.

Amadi disclosed on Tuesday through a post on his X handle that an individual approached him seeking recommendations for experienced lawyers willing to accept payment for defending the embattled former Kogi governor in a televised national setting.

He said: “Someone contacted me to say if I know senior lawyers who can be paid to defend @OfficialGYBKogi on @channelstv. The guy said of course I can never do it but help him with someone who can.

“Note: Lawyers are now paid enablers. When you see them on tv talking nonsense just remember.”