Kogi Govt Officials Submit Self To EFCC Over Corruption Allegations

Two officials from the Kogi State Government, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, have presented themselves before the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in response to allegations of corruption.

Naija News understands that their decision to visit the EFCC may be linked to recent media reports indicating that the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an arrest warrant for Hudu and Oricha due to claims of unauthorized withdrawals exceeding ₦46 billion from the Kogi State government’s bank accounts.

This order was reportedly issued by Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, following a motion ex parte submitted by the EFCC, which is recorded under suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/909/2024.

Preliminary reports suggest that the decision of the two officials to report to the EFCC may not be entirely unrelated to the Kogi State government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Thereby motivating its officials to report to the EFCC even in the absence of a warrant or invitation from the anti-corruption agency or any of its representatives.

According to Channels Television, at the moment of writing this report, the two officials in question, Hudu, who previously served as a cashier at the Kogi State Government House, and Oricha, the Director General of Government House Administration, were observed at the headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja.

Yahaya Bello Remains Wanted Until Arrested – EFCC

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, has said that the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, remains wanted until arrested.

Naija News reports that Bello is still on the run 107 days after being declared wanted by the EFCC.

On April 18, 2024, the anti-graft agency declared Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of ₦80,246,470,089.88.

A group of armed men identified as ‘Special Forces’ and some policemen prevented EFCC operatives from apprehending Bello at his Wuse Zone 4, Abuja residence on Wednesday, April 17.

Speaking with Punch, the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said the EFCC was not ready to arrest Bello.

According to him, the anti-corruption agency has sophisticated equipment to track and arrest Bello.