Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s recent visit to the EFCC headquarters has sparked controversy and speculation. Explore the details of the unfolding situation.
The reported visit of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters has been surrounded by controversy.
The media team of the former governor asserted that he attended the invitation, but this was refuted by the anti-corruption agency who maintains Bello as a fugitive.
According to Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, a statement was made on Thursday morning stating that the ex-governor of Kogi went to the EFCC headquarters in response to their invitation.
Michael stated that Bello came to his decision after conferring with his legal advisors and political peers.
“After consulting with his family, legal team and political allies, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello – Former Governor of Kogi State – honoured the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today.”
The ex-governor, who holds high regard for the rule of law and those in power, had solely aimed to uphold his fundamental rights and safeguard due process.
He clarified that Bello’s aim was to seize the opportunity and vindicate himself from the accusations.
According to Michael, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been represented by his legal team at every hearing before a competent court of jurisdiction. Therefore, it is crucial for the former governor to accept the EFCC’s invitation and prove his innocence since there are no secrets or reasons for him to be afraid.
The ex-governor has a strong conviction that the initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration towards promoting sustainable economic growth and combating corruption in Nigeria are commendable, and therefore endorses them wholeheartedly.
There is a documented proof that he was the pioneering governor of Kogi State who implemented an anti-corruption strategy to prevent corruption and guarantee that the state’s resources serve its citizens.
The EFCC headquarters was the destination of a prominent group accompanying him. It is our expectation that his status as a citizen of Nigeria will be respected and handled with professionalism by the commission. Further information regarding his dealings with officials from this anti-corruption entity shall be forthcoming at another time.
Michael’s claims were contradicted by the EFCC, who insisted that the ex-governor was not under their custody and continued to be a fugitive.
According to Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for EFCC, there are false media reports claiming that Mr. Yahaya Bello (a former governor of Kogi State) is currently being held in their facility by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. However, he stated that this information is untrue because Bello isn’t under their custody at all as confirmed by the commission itself.
Despite already being declared wanted by the commission for purportedly laundering N80.2 billion, Bello remains a fugitive with an outstanding arrest warrant against him.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Claims EFCC Asked Him to Leave Without Questioning
Despite the anti-graft agency’s rebuttal, the Bello Media Office persisted in claiming that Bello was present at EFCC headquarters and that they declined to question the former governor.
Earlier today, we disclosed that HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State voluntarily visited the office of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to comply with their invitation.
We restated the ex-governor’s deep regard for both the rule of law and constituted authority in our declaration. Additionally, we emphasized that his only aim throughout was to enforce his fundamental rights while ensuring due process.
Although officials informed him that he was free to go, the EFCC did not proceed with an interrogation. The current situation remains unclear as of now and at present HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has vacated the premises of the EFCC office.
The Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo accompanied him to the destination.
Michael released another statement stating that Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been adequately represented by his legal team during every hearing in front of a competent court with regard to this case. Additionally, the former governor decided to attend and answer any questions asked as he believes there is nothing for him to hide or be afraid of.
Nineteen charges for money laundering offences amounting to N80,246,470,088.88 have been brought against the ex-governor of Kogi and his three associates Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman and Abdulsalam Hudu by EFCC.
The EFCC declared the former Kogi governor wanted after unsuccessful attempts to arrest and arraign him.
