Nigerians on social media are calling for the resignation of EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, due to his failure to arrest and prosecute former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
On social media platform X, Nigerians are voicing their frustration and demanding the resignation of Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The outcry follows Olukoyede’s unfulfilled promise to arrest and prosecute former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for alleged financial crimes.
Olanipekun Olukoyede, upon his appointment as the EFCC Chairman, had publicly declared his commitment to bringing Yahaya Bello to justice.
He even went so far as to state that he would resign if Bello was not prosecuted for the numerous fraud allegations against him.
This bold promise garnered significant attention and hope among Nigerians, particularly those keen on seeing justice served in high-profile corruption cases.
In December 2023, SaharaReporters disclosed that the EFCC had seized $760,910.84, which was part of the funds allegedly laundered by Bello.
This amount was paid to the American International School in Abuja for the advance tuition fees of his four children until their graduation.
The total sum of $845,852.84 was transferred to the school in several installments following an agreement signed on August 23, 2021, by Bello’s nephew, Mr. Ali Bello, on behalf of the former governor.
In April, the EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted for crimes amounting to N80.2 billion, marking one of the most significant financial crime cases in recent times.
Despite this declaration, a month has passed without any updates on Bello’s whereabouts or his prosecution status, leading to growing skepticism about the EFCC’s effectiveness and Olukoyede’s leadership.
The lack of progress in Bello’s case has sparked outrage among Nigerians. Social media users on X have been particularly vocal, criticising the EFCC for its apparent inability to uphold its mandate.
Many are calling for Olukoyede to step down, accusing him of failing to honor his word and questioning his competency in leading the anti-corruption agency.
An X user, MC Ugwummadu wrote: “Since Yahaya Bello is no longer in the wanted list of the EFCC, the chairman should just keep his promise and resign Honourably.
“My honest question is: why the drama of his arrest when it’s obvious it was all a ruse? What’s the threat meant to distract gullible Nigerians?”
“When are you going to parade the very man on your wanted list who stole billions from the coffers of Kogi state? Is his whereabouts not known to you guys yet despite all the resources available to locate him ?? No updates or whatsoever regarding his search and eventual arrest,” another user, Dele wrote.
“EFCC said nothing since the disappearance of Yeye Bello the 80 billion naira criminal and you think Nigerians will ever take you serious?” a user, @AnythingTech said.
Bayo Koyeni added: “If you EFCC can easily arrest yahoo boys , what’s is so difficult to arrest Yahaya Bello den grand father. EFCC,I beg the story of Yahaya Bello and yahoo boys no clear to Nigerian.”
@BayoKoyeni) said “If you EFCC can easily arrest yahoo boys , what’s is so difficult to arrest Yahaya Bello den grand father. EFCC,I beg the story of Yahaya Bello and yahoo boys no clear to Nigerian
Another X user, @Any_thing_Tech) said “EFCC said nothing since the disappearance of yeye Bello the 80 billion naira criminal and you think Nigerians will ever take you serious?
@realbossbrain said “You can easily arrest 26 Suspected Internet Fraudsters. Butt it’s difficult to arrest 1 ex-governor Yahaya Bello.
