Muhammad Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has allegedly facilitated the escape of embattled former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to Niger Republic with the help of military personnel. This explosive claim was made by investigative journalist Jackson Ude on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday.
Yahaya Bello, who is facing charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly looting over N80 billion during his tenure as Governor of Kogi State, has repeatedly evaded arrest and prosecution.
“Credible intelligence indicates that Minister of State, Defence, Matawalle, a close ally of Bello, mobilized military personnel who helped the former Kogi Governor to escape to Niger Republic,” Ude stated.
He elaborated that eight Army personnel allegedly escorted Yahaya Bello through Kebbi State via Illela, a border town, using two dark-tinted Hilux pickup trucks and a Land Cruiser to facilitate the escape.
Additionally, Ude implicated former Kaduna Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging his involvement in the scheme that aided Yahaya Bello’s escape.
