The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has posted a cryptic message on social media, which appears to be directed at Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.
The message comes as the EFCC seeks to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion, News About Nigeria reports.
The EFCC’s message, posted as part of its “Eagle Series” on social media, reads: “Once the eagle is on your case, you cannot hide – you can only run. It will smoke you out in a matter of time.”
The message continues: “Reason: The Eagle will smoke you out. It’s just a matter of time. The world may be very big and wide, only a coward thinks he can run and hide. But the Eagle will locate where you reside. In due time, you will bring yourself outside. The option now is left for you to decide.”
This message comes after the EFCC declared Bello wanted on April 18 over alleged financial crimes. The anti-graft agency had asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.
Bello is facing a 17-count amended charge alongside Alli Bello, chief of staff to the incumbent governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and one Daudu Suleiman. The EFCC alleges that the suspects diverted about N100 billion belonging to the Kogi State government in September 2015 – about four months before Bello assumed office as governor.
On April 17, the EFCC barricaded Bello’s Abuja residence in an attempt to arrest him. However, Ododo arrived at the residence and was said to have left with Bello in his vehicle.
Earlier on Friday, Abdulwahab Mohammed, lead counsel for Bello, asked a federal high court in Abuja to give him four weeks to search for his client, as his whereabouts remain unknown.
However, the court refused to vacate a warrant of arrest issued against Bello, with the presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, criticizing Bello for filing applications despite his refusal to show up in court.
The judge described Bello’s actions as an attempt to truncate the case preferred against him by the EFCC.
