Update: Yahaya Bello not in EFCC custody
Former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello
Published By: PM NEWS Editor
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday debunked reports that it has arrested former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello.
The agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said Bello was not in its custody. He said the former governor is still wanted over his alleged involvement in an N82 billion fraud.
“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, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody”, Oyewale stated.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale added.
An earlier report, quoting Bello’s media aide, said the former governor had reported to the EFCC, to honour months long invitation, after consulting his family, lawyers and political allies.
The statement read: “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 in order 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.
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“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 supports 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 work 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.”
