The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on charges of corruption and financial mismanagement during his tenure.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale revealed that Bello is currently being interrogated and will remain in custody until his court arraignment. The former governor is accused of laundering N80 billion in state funds and diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State’s treasury during his eight years in office.

The arrest follows Bello’s repeated failure to respond to court summons at the FCT High Court and Federal High Court in Abuja. Fresh charges were filed against him by the EFCC in late September, and his arraignment is scheduled for November 27, 2024, before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court.

Bello’s surrender on Tuesday marked a turning point in the investigation, following earlier attempts to avoid detention. Notably, on September 18, Bello had appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja alongside his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, in a failed bid to preempt arrest. A confrontation ensued when EFCC operatives declined to detain him, citing security concerns.

This development highlights the EFCC’s resolve to address allegations of corruption and enforce accountability among public officials. The high-profile nature of the case ensures it will be closely monitored as it unfolds.