The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has publicly defended the pace of the high-profile prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, stating he has personally fulfilled his mandate on the matter.
Olukoyede Stands By His Record
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Olukoyede responded to questions from Nigerians regarding the status of the case. He reminded the public of his strong commitment made in April 2024, where he vowed to resign if the investigation into Bello was not seen through.
"If I do not personally oversee the completion of the investigation regarding Yahaya Bello, I will tender my resignation as the chairman of the EFCC," Olukoyede had declared at the time.
Addressing concerns about the case's conclusion, Olukoyede pointed to the active legal proceedings. "Have I not made good that promise of commitment? Is Yahaya Bello not being prosecuted? The case is still in court. I have three cases against Yahaya Bello," he stated.
The Cases and Specific Allegations
The EFCC chairman emphasized the separation of powers between prosecution and judgment. "Am I the judge who would determine the conviction? I have done my work. I have fulfilled my mandate," he asserted, calling for public support.
Yahaya Bello is currently facing multiple charges in court. One is a 19-count charge related to alleged money laundering and fraud involving N80.2 billion, filed at the Federal High Court. In a separate case, he faces a 16-count charge concerning alleged property fraud worth N110 billion alongside co-defendants Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu.
The anti-graft agency had declared Bello wanted in April 2024 over an alleged N80 billion financial crime. Olukoyede provided a specific example of the allegations, claiming that a sitting governor moved $720,000 directly from the Kogi State government account to a bureau de change to pay his child's school fees in advance, anticipating his exit from office.
A Call for Understanding and Support
"In a poor state like Kogi, and you want me to close my eyes to that under the guise of 'I’m being used'. Being used by who at this stage of my life?" Olukoyede questioned rhetorically.
He concluded by stating that the legal process is underway and gaining traction. "This man has been investigated, and we have filed charges against him, and the matter is gaining traction. Nigerians must know that, and they must also encourage us in doing more," the EFCC boss appealed.
The statement serves as a robust defense of the commission's actions amidst public scrutiny, affirming that the ball is now in the court of the judiciary to determine the outcome of the landmark cases.
