Ajaka hails EFCC for arresting Yahaya Bello over alleged fraud, corruption

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 Kogi State Gubernatorial Election, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting Yahaya Bello.

Bello was arrested for alleged fraud and corruption committed during his tenure from January 2016 to January 2024.

Ajaka, in a statement, said that the decisive action of the anti-graft agency was a significant move towards ensuring accountability and justice, which the people of Kogi State have long deserved.

To ensure that the effort yields meaningful results, he said, the EFCC must intensify its investigation to uncover solid and irrefutable evidence that will not only sustain prosecution but also ensure a watertight case.

According to the SDP governorship candidate, “This investigation should include, interrogating Local Government Chairmen who served under Yahaya Bello’s administration and facilitated his access to local government funds.

“Summoning members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, particularly its leadership, to account for their roles in approving loans that were allegedly misappropriated during Bello’s administration.

“Investigating Yahaya Bello’s financial worth before assuming office in 2016 by obtaining his asset declaration records from the Code of Conduct Bureau. This will reveal any discrepancies and provide clarity on his sudden accumulation of wealth.”

Ajaka also urged the EFCC to avoid any actions that may trivialise the critical case, adding that the earlier drama involving the declaration of Bello wanted, followed by his unchallenged appearance at the EFCC headquarters without arrest, has already raised public skepticism.