A cloud of controversy has emerged over the reported visit of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). While Bello’s media team claims that the ex-governor voluntarily honored an invitation from the agency, the EFCC refuted these assertions, maintaining that Bello remains a wanted individual.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, confirmed that the former governor had arrived at the EFCC’s office following consultations with his legal team and political associates. According to Michael, Bello was determined to clear his name regarding the allegations against him.
Michael stated, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. After discussions with his family, legal team, and political allies, he decided to respect the rule of law and address the matter.”
He further explained that the ex-governor has been represented in court by his legal team at every hearing related to the case and was committed to proving his innocence. “Alhaji Yahaya Bello has nothing to hide and is keen on clearing his name. He believes in the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to combat corruption and promote economic development,” Michael added. He also pointed out that Bello had been the first Kogi governor to implement anti-corruption measures aimed at ensuring transparency in the state’s governance.
However, the EFCC countered these claims. In a statement from the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC clarified that Yahaya Bello was not in their custody, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. “The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. He remains wanted, with an active warrant for his arrest, related to N80.2 billion money laundering charges,” Oyewale noted.
Amid the back-and-forth, the Yahaya Bello Media Office stood by its initial claims, stating that the former governor had indeed visited the EFCC but was not interrogated. “The EFCC allowed the former governor to leave without questioning him, and we are still trying to understand the full implications of this development,” Michael said in a follow-up statement. He also mentioned that Bello was accompanied by current Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, during the visit.
The EFCC has filed 19 charges against Yahaya Bello, alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. These charges pertain to alleged money laundering offenses totaling over N80 billion. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to apprehend and arraign Bello, the EFCC declared him wanted.
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