Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Kogi State, Nigeria
In a startling revelation, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is purportedly orchestrating a scheme to sway the outcome of his alleged fraud and money laundering case through illicit means.
Reports obtained by Truth Live News from SaharaReporters indicate that Bello, facing accusations of misappropriating over N80 billion in public funds, is allegedly attempting to bribe judges handling his case with dollars.
The unfolding saga came to light through leaked conversations from a WhatsApp group named “Only Ododo 4 Const,” purportedly comprising Bello’s close allies and commissioners in Kogi State.
Among the individuals involved in the discussions are Evangelist Kinsley Fanwo, former Commissioner for Information and Communications in Bello’s administration; Barr. Salami Ozigi-Deedat, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Hon. Umar Oricha Shaibu, the Director-General of Kogi State Government House.
In these conversations, Fanwo reportedly disclosed that Bello had confided in him about his intentions to bribe the judges overseeing his case. Allegedly, Bello had converted a substantial sum of money from naira to dollars to enhance its appeal to the intended recipients. Fanwo further claimed that arrangements were made to ensure the safe delivery of the funds to the judges.
Fanwo’s statements were corroborated by Abdullahi Bello, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State, who hinted at “necessary steps” being taken before any direct contact between Bello and the judges.
The reported attempt to influence judicial proceedings has sparked concerns about the integrity of the legal system and raised questions about the sanctity of justice in the face of alleged corruption.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its pursuit of Bello, who remains at large following his evasion of the agency’s operatives in Abuja. The situation has escalated with the detention of Bello’s former aide-de-camp and other security personnel implicated in aiding his escape.
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