The visit of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been the subject of controversy.
The anti-graft agency refuted the ex-governor’s media team’s assertion that their principal accepted the invitation, maintaining that Bello is still wanted.
The former governor of Kogi arrived at the EFCC headquarters on Thursday morning, according to a statement made by Ohiare Michael, the director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, to accept the agency’s invitation.
Michael claims that Bello made his decision after speaking with his political allies and legal team.
He said, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
“The former governor had only ever asked for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process, and he has a great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority.”
He explained that Bello intended to use the opportunity to clear his name of the allegations against him.
Michael added, “The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has 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 firmly believes in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first governor of Kogi State to implement an anti-corruption mechanism to curb graft and ensure that the state’s resources benefit its people.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by high-profile Nigerians. We hope that the commission will act professionally 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 an unexpected move, the EFCC refuted Michael’s assertions, stating that the former governor was still wanted and was not in their custody.
“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 are incorrect,” said EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello is still wanted with an active arrest warrant; he was previously declared wanted by the commission for alleged money laundering charges totaling N80.2 billion.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
