Crime
Release Yahaya Bello’s Mugshot If He Was Arrested – VDM Tells EFCC
Nigerian activist and social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release the mugshot of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, if reports of his arrest are true.
The demand comes after the EFCC on Tuesday, announced Bello’s arrest on allegations of money laundering, abuse of public trust, and the misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion.
The EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details or a mugshot, sparking criticism from the public and activists alike.
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In a video posted on social media, Verydarkman accused the EFCC of potentially staging the arrest to mislead Nigerians.
He alleged, citing unverified sources, that Bello visited the EFCC headquarters prior to his arrest with a ₦10 billion bribe in an attempt to influence officials.
“This could be nothing more than a publicity stunt,” VDM claimed, adding that the absence of Bello’s mugshot raises questions about the EFCC’s transparency.
He noted that the agency has a history of publishing mugshots of arrested individuals, including high-profile figures, and questioned why Bello’s case is being handled differently.
VDM’s statement has reignited public discourse on the EFCC’s credibility and its handling of corruption cases involving influential figures.
The EFCC has yet to respond to the activist’s demands or address the allegations of preferential treatment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, over allegations of multi-billion naira fraud.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that Bello was apprehended on Tuesday at 12:54 p.m. in Abuja.
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Oyewale noted that despite being declared wanted, the former governor did not voluntarily submit himself to the commission.
“We arrested him (Yahaya Bello) at 12:54 p.m. He did not surrender himself to the commission. Three of his lawyers are here with him,” Oyewale explained.
The EFCC spokesperson added that Bello is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation by investigators.
“He is being detained in our custody and will be arraigned in court accordingly,” he said.
This arrest comes as part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to address corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, has faced multiple allegations of financial impropriety during his administration.
Further details on the charges and Bello’s upcoming court proceedings are expected to be released in the coming days.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Mr. Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall, located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.
The incident occurred at around 10:55 p.m. at the mall located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, said: “The assailants overpowered the victim’s police escort after killing his driver and forcibly took Mr. Ekerenam away.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Resurfaces In EFCC’s Custody After Months In Hiding
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Eribo, and his tactical team have visited the scene, and efforts are in top gear to rescue the victim unharmed.”
A family source disclosed that the injured police officer is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.
This abduction comes four years after Mr. Ekerenam’s wife, Glory Ekerenam, was kidnapped in October 2019 in Eket and held captive in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area before being freed.
The police have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as security agencies intensify efforts to address the growing wave of insecurity in Akwa Ibom State.
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriation of public funds.
Sources indicate that the ex-governor is undergoing interrogation at the EFCC’s Abuja office.
Conflicting reports have emerged about the circumstances of his appearance.
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While some sources claim he was arrested by EFCC operatives, others say he arrived at the commission’s headquarters voluntarily, accompanied by his legal team.
This development comes ahead of a court hearing scheduled for November 27, part of a fresh case filed by the EFCC against Bello.
During the last hearing on November 14, the commission requested an adjournment, citing the 30-day legal window for the summons issued against him.
Biztellers reports that the EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024 after he reportedly ignored several invitations and resisted arrest.
A dramatic attempt to detain him at his Abuja residence on April 17 ended in a standoff.
EFCC operatives, supported by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), surrounded the property for hours.
During the tense standoff, Governor Usman Ododo, Bello’s successor, arrived at the scene but left shortly after.
As Ododo departed, reports emerged suggesting Bello might have been in one of his vehicles.
This prompted security personnel on standby to open fire, although details of the incident remain unclear.
Since that day, Bello had not been seen in public until his current appearance at the EFCC.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement regarding Bello’s detention or the ongoing interrogation.
Release Yahaya Bello’s Mugshot If He Was Arrested – VDM Tells EFCC
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