Fugitive immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is seeking political asylum in Niger Republic, following a deal struck by the Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Bello whose eight years reign in Kogi is remembered for high handedness, thuggery and alleged elimination of political opposition, has been on the run since he was declared wanted by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of corrupt enrichment to the tune of over N80 billion.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Matawalle, this medium gathered, has close relationship with the General Abdourahamane Tchiani-led military regime where he has been promised safety for all his investments in Niger.
Informants within Abuja and Niamey, the Nigerien capital disclosed that Matawalle brokered the deal to keep Yahaya Bello safe away in Niger Republic, with representatives of Tchiani military junta in attendance.
“Part of the deal involves the former Kogi Governor investing in Niger Republic and paying millions of unspecified sums to support his asylum.
“The asylum will guarantee his free movement in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Mali, the three countries with military governments and bilateral relations,” a source privy to the development told our correspondent in confidence.
Recall that after Yahaya Bello was smuggled out of his home in Zone 4, Wuse District Abuja, by his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo when officials of the EFCC arrived to arrest him, he has not been seen again in public.
Matawalle, a close friend of GYB as the ex-Kogi State is fondly known, arranged an asylum for him, allegedly using military personnel under his watch to smuggle him through Kebbi state via illela border with two dark tinted hilux pick up vans and a Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicle.
Credible intels accused Matawalle of aiding the military junta in Niger Republic with information from the Nigerian government in exchange for protection of his huge investment in the tiny country running into millions of dollars.
Some of the offshore investments are allegedly proceeds from the financial windfall from the office of ex- National Security Adviser, Col Ibrahim Dasuki, oil bunkering and looting of Zamfara State resources where he served as Governor for four years
