Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello is set to spend the festive season behind bars following an order from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
Naijaonpoint reports that the court, on Tuesday, remanded Bello at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his bail application in a ₦110 billion money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Presiding judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, adjourned the case to January 29, 30, and February 25, 27, 2025, for a formal hearing. The ruling has since sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
Dino Melaye’s Reaction
Reacting to the development, former senator and vocal critic of Bello, Dino Melaye, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to mock the embattled ex-governor.
Melaye reminded the public of his earlier prediction regarding Bello’s fate.
“Six years ago, SDM predicted Yahaya Bello would end up in prison,” Melaye posted. “Today, he will be spending Christmas in Kuje prison. All powers belong to God.”
Melaye’s comment drew mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing their thoughts on Bello’s incarceration.
Public Reactions on Social Media
Several Nigerians voiced their skepticism about the actual implementation of the court’s order.
Many questioned whether Bello would truly experience life behind bars or enjoy special privileges.
A user identified as @FACT_UNDISPUTED wrote, “They’re playing you as usual. After all this drama by EFCC, Bello will be released to spend his loot. He’ll even contest for elections and win. Tell me how many Nigerian kleptomaniac politicians have been successfully prosecuted in Nigeria? This country is a paradise for thieves and hell for common people.”
Another user, @WarriWeirdo, expressed doubts about the reality of Bello’s imprisonment, stating, “Kuje prison, meanwhile no loot has been recovered from him. We understand sha!”
@SirKingsco drew comparisons to previous incidents, referencing popular social media discussions, “If Bobrisky can chill in an apartment, claiming to be in prison, how much more this man? He might be in his house, and they’ll tell us he’s in Kirikiri.”
Calls for Greater Accountability
Other users took a more serious stance, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability in Nigeria’s justice system. @MO_Shaibu_ questioned the sincerity of the prison narrative, posting, “So you want Nigerians to believe Bello is in prison? You don’t really rate Nigerians at all.”
Similarly, @atkfarouk expressed hope that Bello’s imprisonment would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
He stated, “Doesn’t look good for him . No asylum or anything. Hope our leaders will learn from this. I’d vote for Tinubu in 2027 if I see Bello’s picture and other high-profile criminals behind bars. Transparency is what we need.”
Public Cynicism
Despite the court’s ruling, the belief that politically exposed persons in Nigeria rarely face the full weight of justice remains strong.
User @doctorchibuzo suggested the move to remand Bello was simply a public relations stunt by the court to repair its image.
He wrote, “Na Nigerians cause this one. They don too compare Dele Farotimi’s handcuff photo with photo of Yahaya Bello walking freely and now the court wants to save its face.”
Similarly, @OnwukaQueeneth dismissed the notion that Nigerian politicians truly serve jail terms. She remarked, “Na mumu dey believe say Nigerian politicians dey go prison.”
