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Nigerians Demand For EFCC Chairman Resignation Over Inaction Against Ex-Kogi Governor
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.
The Senior Pastor and founder of Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries (ZFPIM),Apostle Promise Momo, has called on Nigerians to shun ethnic bigotry and embrace love and unity to move the nation forward.
In an Easter message personally signed and shared with journalists in Lagos, Apostle Momo emphasized the need for Nigerians to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic differences.
“We must look for ways to unify the nation in love, because united we stand and divided we fall,” he said.
The cleric condemned acts of hatred, violence, and exploitation, stating, “It is not the will of God to see people killing each other or hating one another, cheating one another, taking advantage of people, or preying on the weak.”
He urged Nigerians to build a society grounded in love and unity, warning that progress would remain elusive without these values.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Apostle Momo described the holiday as a cornerstone of Christian faith.
“Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most significant Christian holidays on the calendar,” he said.
“The day commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, who resurrected after three days in the tomb.”
Quoting John 3:16, he added, “Jesus Christ is love personified… I want to see love come back to life amongst we Nigerians.”
The pastor’s message comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and social divisions, underscoring the urgency of his call for unity.
Says Leadership Not Contest Of Noise
Says Nigerian Leaders Should Prioritize Governance over Politics
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of insecurity, revive the economy, and restore the dignity of human lives because Nigeria is bleeding, people are hungry, unsafe and disillusioned.
According to him, as a people, the citizens must rise above despair, division, and violence and commit themselves to peace, justice, and truth.
“Our country is bleeding – our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned. It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives”, he said
While describing the political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “deeply troubling”, the cleric said that although government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, the government must be cautious in its reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
Kaigama said these in his Easter Message titled, “The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Cannot Overcome It”, taken from John 1:5 and sent to Arise News in Abuja.
He said Easter is not just a Christian ritual—but a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death.
Kaigama said, “Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land.
We mourn the tragic and reckless killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State—lives cut short without reason or mercy.
“We grieve the repeated violence and massacres in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where entire communities are being decimated. These attacks have left families shattered and dreams destroyed, and they underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity across Nigeria.
We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed.
“The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens. As Jesus fed the multitudes with compassion, so must we work together to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry in the midst of plenty.
“Equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others. These brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of our moral and spiritual fabric. Every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of our nation.
“In addition, the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling. While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
“Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders – political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens – to embrace dialogue over division. No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live.
Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability.
“We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power.
Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
He said since leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise, Nigerian leaders should “prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.”
Kaigama said that in the face of the darkness that seems to surround Nigeria and envelop her lands, “we must not lose hope” as Easter teaches that even the tomb cannot hold back the power of resurrection.
“As a people, we must rise above despair, division, and violence. Let us commit ourselves to peace, justice, and truth. Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
“This Easter, may the risen Christ ignite in us the courage to speak up against evil, the strength to support one another, and the wisdom to build a Nigeria where dignity and life are sacred once again. Let our celebration not just be of Christ’s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit. May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land”, the cleric emphasized.
ENDS***
Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries, a Nigerian church, has extended its charitable outreach to Uganda, donating food items, diapers, and clothes to an orphanage in Kampala during Good Friday.
The gesture, aimed at sharing love with vulnerable children, underscores the church’s ongoing commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities across Africa.
Glory Momo, the church’s Director of Protocol and Communication Strategy, presented the items to the orphanage, emphasising the ministry’s five-year legacy of philanthropy.
“Our ministry has been known for charity work across Africa,” Momo said during the event.
In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, he added, “We have reached out to less privileged communities, refugee communities, and provided scholarships to students in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The church’s mission, according to Momo, is divinely inspired.
“This is what God has called us to do as a church, and we will not relent. What you see us do here in Uganda is simply sharing love with those who need it most—children who have been abandoned.
“We will continue, as the Lord enables us, to show love across the continent and the world.”
This is not the first time Zion Flames Ministries International has supported vulnerable groups.
The church has a history of aiding disadvantaged communities in Nigeria, including hosting celebrations with orphans during the Christmas season.
The donation comes as part of the church’s broader efforts to uplift marginalised groups, with its leadership pledging to sustain such initiatives in Uganda and beyond.