The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked the claim made by the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, that he had honoured the Commission’s invitation concerning an alleged N80.2bn money laundering case.
Reports indicate that on Wednesday, Bello announced his visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, stating that he went to clear his name regarding the fraud allegations. According to the former governor, he “submitted himself to the anti-graft agency after about five months of hiding.”
In a follow-up statement just hours after his initial announcement, Bello claimed he had left the EFCC facility, noting that the Commission did not take any action against him. He said, “The EFCC did not, however, interrogate me as officials told me I could leave.”
However, the EFCC, through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, swiftly refuted Bello’s claim.
He said: “Media reports today that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
Earlier, Bello’s Media Office had said the former governor on Wednesday honoured the EFCC invitation and was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by highprofile Nigerians, including his political god-son and Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Recall that a statement by the director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said the decision for Bello to honour the invitation was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
The statement read: “The former governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
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“The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.”
Michael further noted that “it is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the state.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
