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Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Nigeria’s Kogi State, has expanded his family with the addition of a fourth wife, Hiqma Yahaya Bello. The low-key ceremony took place in Abuja last Saturday, attended by close relatives and associates, according to social media posts and local media reports.

The marriage was publicly announced by Hafiza Bello, the former governor’s third wife, in an Instagram post accompanied by a video from the event. “Alhamdulillah, our family just got a little bigger! A warm welcome to our new family member, Mrs. Hiqma Yahaya Bello,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for the new family addition. Prior to the union, Bello was already married to Amina Oyiza, Rashida, and Hafiza, as reported by Media Talk Africa, a Nigerian news outlet.

News of the wedding sparked mixed reactions on social media platform X, with users referencing Bello’s ongoing legal challenges. Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which investigates financial crimes, has been pursuing corruption allegations against the former governor. Critics questioned the timing of the marriage amid these legal troubles.

One user, @realkaykerry, remarked, “I thought EFCC was looking for him?” Another, @TheHeroNG, alluded to Bello’s prior claims of health issues—including reported potassium deficiency and hypertension—which had been cited in a court request for international medical travel: “Does he no longer have those health conditions? Or is this part of the prescribed treatment?” Other comments criticized governance in Kogi, a state rich in mineral resources yet ranked among Nigeria’s poorest. User @uhl_moving noted, “Kogi’s strategic location and resources haven’t translated to prosperity for its people,” reflecting broader frustrations over economic stagnation.

The marriage also revived discussions about Bello’s recent efforts to regain access to his passport, which was reportedly withheld as part of the EFCC case. User @freshwealt95610 speculated, “The same man seeking medical care abroad is active enough to marry again—perhaps he’s prioritizing travel over accountability.”

While the ceremony itself remained a private affair, its public announcement has drawn attention to the interplay between Bello’s personal life and his unresolved legal battles. The EFCC has not publicly commented on the development. As Nigeria grapples with accountability in public office, the former governor’s latest personal milestone underscores ongoing debates about privilege, governance, and justice in the country.