Outrage as Kogi Governor Ododo appoints Ali Bello as CoS despite N3bn fraud case

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Yahaya Bello, Ali Bello and Usman Ododo

By Taiwo Okanlawon

The newly inaugurated governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, is under fire for appointing his predecessor, Yahaya Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, who is being investigated for a N3 billion fraud as Chief of Staff.

Upon Ododo’s swearing-in as the 6th democratic Governor of Kogi State on Saturday, he announced his Chief of Staff and other key appointments.

However, Ali Bello’s appointment has been heavily criticised because he was docked by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for an alleged N3 billion misappropriation on February 8 last year.

Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, EFCC, is prosecuting Ali Bello on 18 counts bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of about N3 billion.

Ali Bello was charged alongside other defendants in the case, including Abba Adauda, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Iyada Sadat and the Kogi First Lady, Rashida Bello.

The EFCC is prosecuting them in suit No ABJ/CR/573/2022.

 

Reacting to the development, Nigerians on X expressed concerns, calling on the EFCC to speak on the latest update on the ongoing case.

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