'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – Confusion continues to mount over the whereabouts of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, following reports and subsequent clarifications by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding his status with the agency. On Wednesday, the EFCC denied claims that the former governor is currently in its custody, despite an ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering case against him.
In a press release issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the agency clarified that while Bello has been declared wanted and there is a subsisting warrant for his arrest, he has not yet been apprehended. “The media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the holding facility of the EFCC are incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,” Oyewale stated, refuting the widespread reports circulating about his alleged detention.
The announcement has sparked a wave of speculation, as many were led to believe that the former governor had been taken into custody in connection with the charges of money laundering. Bello has been at the center of a legal firestorm, facing a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case revolves around accusations that the former governor laundered ₦80 billion during his tenure, a charge he has consistently denied.
Conflicting Reports and Bello's Response
In a twist to the unfolding drama, Yahaya Bello’s Media Office released its own statement, confirming that the former governor had voluntarily decided to honor an invitation from the EFCC after months of evading questioning. According to Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the decision came after consultations with Bello’s family, legal team, and political associates.
Michael emphasized that Bello remains committed to clearing his name and cooperating with the legal process. “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 he supports the fight against corruption in the country,” the statement read, pointing to Bello’s confidence in his innocence.
Despite this statement, ambiguity persists as neither the EFCC nor Bello’s legal team has provided concrete details about his current location or the nature of his interaction with the Commission. The former governor, who had previously resisted appearing before the EFCC, is now said to be preparing for the next court hearing on September 25, 2024, where the charges against him will be further addressed.
Public Scrutiny and Questions of Accountability
Bello’s decision to cooperate with the EFCC after months of evasion has sparked criticism from some quarters, with many questioning why he had initially resisted attempts to bring him in for questioning. Public sentiment is mixed, with some supporters of the former governor pointing to his past efforts in implementing anti-corruption measures in Kogi State, while others are skeptical of his intentions.
Bello’s legal team has consistently maintained that the former governor is innocent of the charges and is ready to defend himself in court. His media office has also highlighted his track record of governance, claiming that Bello was the first governor in Kogi State to introduce anti-corruption mechanisms aimed at ensuring the judicious use of public funds.
Uncertainty Surrounds Future Proceedings
As the case progresses, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Emeka Nwite will preside over the next hearing. The EFCC, meanwhile, continues to stress that the former governor remains a person of interest in their investigations. The Commission’s assertion that Yahaya Bello is not in custody has only added to the speculation about what lies ahead in the case.
This latest development underscores the broader challenges Nigeria faces in its ongoing battle against corruption, particularly in holding public officials accountable for alleged financial crimes. As questions swirl over Yahaya Bello’s legal standing and his current whereabouts, the case is likely to remain in the public spotlight in the weeks to come.
