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'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied reports that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently in its custody. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency clarified that while Bello has been declared wanted in connection with an ₦80.2 billion money laundering case, he is not being held by the Commission at this time.
The EFCC, through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, emphasized that the former governor remains wanted, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest. “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 said in the statement. The clarification comes amidst ongoing speculation surrounding Bello’s legal troubles.
In response, Yahaya Bello’s Media Office confirmed that the former governor has finally honored an invitation from the EFCC after months of resisting attempts to bring him in for questioning. According to a statement released by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor made this decision following consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
Michael's statement stressed that Yahaya Bello has always respected the rule of law and that his legal team has consistently represented him in court during hearings related to the case. “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.
Bello’s media aide noted that the former governor is prepared to clear his name, asserting that he has nothing to hide. The statement also highlighted Bello’s track record, claiming he was the first governor of Kogi State to implement anti-corruption mechanisms aimed at curbing graft and ensuring that the state's resources were utilized for the benefit of its people.
Despite his recent cooperation, Bello has faced criticism for previously refusing to attend EFCC questioning and boycotting court trials. The case, currently before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, involves a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80 billion. The next hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2024.
The EFCC and Bello’s legal team are expected to continue addressing the issues in court as the former governor seeks to defend himself against the charges. Bello’s appearance at the EFCC Headquarters was reportedly accompanied by several high-profile individuals, though no further details about his interactions with the Commission have been disclosed as of yet.
This latest development in the case against Yahaya Bello underscores the ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to hold public officials accountable, particularly as the country navigates its broader battle against financial crimes.
