Yahaya Bello is worse than internet fraudsters, Nigerians say

Nigerians have argued that Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is worse than convicted internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi. 

The embattled former governor of Kogi State has stirred up social media with his school children’s invoice payment after allegations that he withdrew a large sum of money from the state’s coffers.

Bello paid $845,000 in school fees in advance for his children at the American International School of Abuja.

Recall that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, claimed on Tuesday that an investigation by the anti-graft agency revealed that Bello is culpable.

Following a failed attempt to arrest him in his Abuja residence last week on Wednesday and the ex-governor’s absence from the Federal High Court, where he was scheduled to be arraigned last Thursday, the EFCC declared him wanted.

Bello insists that the EFCC’s attempt to arrest and prosecute him for an alleged N80.2bn fraud violated a February 6 order of the Federal High Court in Lokoja restraining the anti-graft agency, and he has been on the run.

Hushpuppi, from Nigeria, was jailed for more than 11 years in the US for his role in an international fraud syndicate.

Hushpuppi was also ordered to pay $1,732,841 (£1,516,182) in restitution to two victims.

The influencer rose to fame by flaunting his wealthy lifestyle on his page, which boasted 2.8 million followers.

But it all came crashing down when he was arrested in Dubai two years ago.

In a series of comments on social media, Nigerians stated that Bello is a worse criminal than Hushpuppi.

Ola, an X influencer, notes that “the offense of Yahaya Bello is no different from Hushpuppi in that the US government sent him to jail, but come to Nigeria, the government will still make you walk freely.”

Furthermore, he said, “You have milked this country to nothing. Enough is enough.”

“It is good news that the American International School is not ready to soil its name.”

Isaiah Dins, said, “I prefer Yahoo Yahaya Bello to be in Kirikiri prison to serve a life sentence, while Hushpuppi to join the DSS intelligence so that they can bring down more Yahayas in Nigerian politics.”

Ofala mentioned that “one stole from the mega-rich; very condemnable though, but you see this Yahaya Bello that mortgaged the future of his poor state citizens? I will be shocked if he gets anything less than 20 years in prison.”

Dr. Kenon alleged that “Hushpuppi was even more lenient because he didn’t steal from his people. Yahaya Bello stole from the people he was supposed to protect.”

Ikechukwu Ude notes in his argument that “Yahaya Bello swore an oath to protect and preserve the constitution and the money and wealth of Kogi State but stole them dry. Hushpopi did not promise to be a good guy.”

Another X user, Favour Biagialo, said in her reaction, “Yahaya Bello looted from the people that put him in government, knowing fully well they are struggling, deprived workers of their sweat and labour.

“Hushpuppi committed a cybercrime; he stole from foreigners and not from his people.”

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