THECABLE
Often, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) knock at the doorsteps of former governors as soon as their immunity expires. They are asked to account for their financial decisions, especially when foul play is suspected.
In 2023, Bello Matawalle, former governor of Zamfara and current minister of state for defence, criticised the EFCC for prosecuting only ex-governors, alleging that federal government officials are also corrupt.
However, the fight against corruption took a dramatic turn recently when Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, “resisted” arrest by operatives of the EFCC and, at a point, was whisked away by Usman Ododo, his successor.
In this report, TheCable examines the trials of former governors by the EFCC since the anti-graft agency was established in 2003.
Some ex-governors were invited and grilled; others were investigated and arrested; yet, they have not been prosecuted. Those who fall under this category include Abdulaziz Yari and Bello Matawalle, former Zamfara governors; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Samuel Ortom, Benue; Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano; Theodore Orji, Abia; Aliyu Wamakko, Sokoto; Ali Modu Sheriff, Borno; the late Olusegun Agagu, Ondo and a few others.
But how many of the former governors have been charged so far, and how many have eventually been convicted?
PROSECUTED
Yahaya Bello, Kogi
The EFCC is prosecuting Yahaya Bello alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80 billion. Bello served for two terms, from 2016 to 2024, as governor of Kogi.
On April 17, the EFCC operatives restricted movement in and around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4, before Usman Ododo, his successor, arrived and was later seen leaving with Bello
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