By Kingston Magare
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said Wednesday former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello remains a fugitive contrary to reports he has been taken into custody.
The EFCC clarified the situation after several reports suggested that the former governor indicted for N80.2b money laundering and fraud has turned himself in.
“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,” said EFCC Dele Oyewale spokesperson
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
Mr. Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC in April 2024, after he failed to honour an invitation to appear for questioning. He was subsequently arraigned in absentia at Federal High Court Abuja.
Bello had communicated his intention to turn himself in. A statement by Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, on Wednesday, Yahaya Bello said the “decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.”
One hour after the EFCC clarification,
Mr. Bello’s his aides insisted he drove into premises of the EFCC but was not arrested or interrogated.
“ Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former Governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority and stressed that all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that 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. The former Governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. “
