N80.2bn fraud: Controversy trails ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello’s visit to EFCC

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•Bello has surrendered to EFCC — Media Office
•He remains wanted, not in our custody, says EFCC

By Boluwaji Obahopo & Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Contradictory reports have emerged regarding the status of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, denying his arrest.

Bello’s media office had earlier in a statement, claimed the former governor had voluntarily honoured the EFCC’s invitation, while sources in the anti-graft agency said he was arrested in a sting operation late at night.

But the EFCC in a statement by the spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the ex-Kogi governor remained wanted, adding that he was not in the custody of the commission.

However, the statement issued by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, read: “Former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today (yesterday) honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies. 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 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.

“The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and support the fight against corruption in the country.

“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 worked for the people of the state.

“He was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by high-profile Nigerians. 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. Details of his engagement with the operatives of the anti-graft agency will be disclosed later.”

In a swift reaction, EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the former Kogi governor remained a wanted person over alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges.

Oyewale said in a statement: “Media reports today (yesterday) that 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. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.”