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EFCC vs Yahaya Bello: The limit of overzealousness – Lere Olayinka
Yesterday, the EFCC declared former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello WANTED for an alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion.
This was promptly followed by the placement of the former governor on WATCHLIST to prevent him from escaping from the country.
The Nigerian Immigration Service, in a circular dated April 18, 2024 and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, alerted the police and the Department of State Services to effect the former governor’s arrest.
While I am of the opinion that Yahaya Bello should make himself available to the EFCC for TRIAL, after all, a clear conscience fears no accusation, the overzealousness of the EFCC, both in the past and now remains a source of concern.
For instance, as published on EFCC WEBSITE, COUNT ONE of the charges against Yahaya Bello reads: That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in FEBRUARY, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88( Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”.
EFCC said Yahaya Bello stole N80.3bn in FEBRUARY 2016.
Yahaya Bello assumed office as Governor of Kogi State on JANUARY 27, 2016.
Did he and others steal N80.3bn in one month?
That is, Yayaya Bello’s predecessor, Idris Wada left N80.3bn in the Treasury of Kogi State or the January 2016 Federal Allocation to Kogi State was N80.3bn and Yayaya Bello, who assumed office on January 27, 2016 stole the money in February?
Just one out of the many obvious display of overzealousness by the EFCC.
In 2018, the moment the results of the Ekiti State governorship election was released, EFCC went on Twitter (now X) to tweet: “The parri (party) is over, the cloak of immunity torn apart, and the staff broken. Ekiti Integrated Poultry Project/Biologival concepts Limited N1.3 billion fraud case file dusted off the shelves. See you soon.”
The tweet was deleted about three hours later. But before then it had gone viral online, eliciting criticisms from many Nigerians who interpreted it as a reflection of the commission’s partisanship.
Obviously, the only thing being done to Yahaya Bello now that EFCC has not done to former governors before was declaring him wanted. In the past, even sitting governors were placed on WATCHLIST to prevent them from escaping from the country. Some of those former governors are still facing trial while EFCC has lost cases against some of them.
Therefore, Yahaya Bello is not the first to drink the EFCC tea of overzealousness and definitely, he won’t be the last.
However, like I have said before, in spite of the court order barring EFCC from arresting and prosecuting him, Governor Yahaya Bello needs to show that even if it is persecution, he is not afraid. He should consult his lawyers and let them see reasons he should make himself available to the EFCC, because as it is now, he is facing two courts – Court of Law and Court of Public Opinion.
©My name is still Lere Olayinka. I am here on the topmost part of Oke Agbonna in Okemesi Ekiti, eating ẹran ìgbẹ́ and drinking early morning palm wine with the Irunmales.
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
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