The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, will be brought to justice.
The commission had charged Bello with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity for the EFCC, said this on Thursday during an interview on News Central TV.
The EFCC had declared Bello wanted after multiple attempts to arrest him were unsuccessful.
On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment by the EFCC.
Oyewale described the court’s ruling as a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.
“What the court of appeal is saying is just to amplify the position of the commission and also to establish the fact that we are focused concerning his matter,” Oyewale said.
He dismissed claims that the EFCC was neglecting certain cases, insisting that all matters before the commission are given the “necessary attention”.
He attributed delays in some cases to procedural issues and the commission’s “strict” adherence to the rule of law.
Oyewale said the commission is collaborating with both local and international law enforcement agencies to ensure Bello’s arrest.
“As it is now, Yahaya Bello cannot come into the open. He cannot make himself available anywhere because he has become a fugitive, and we all know the instruments of the law—anywhere he is sighted, he would be arrested.
“He is hiding, he has gone underground. Every law enforcement agency, both local and international agencies are involved,” Oyewale said.
He assured Nigerians that the EFCC remains focused on resolving Bello’s case, along with other ongoing investigations.
