THE former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has finally presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after months of hide-and-seek and legal fireworks that failed to work in his favour.
His media aide, Ohiare Michael, said in a statement Wednesday morning that the fugitive former governor presented himself “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.
In the statement titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello Honours EFCC’s Invitation” the media team said Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency came after he consulted his family, legal team, and political associates.
The statement said Bello honoured the invitation to clear his name, adding that he had nothing to hide and fear.
“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. 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,” the statement read.
It noted that the former governor was the first to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that Kogi State’s resources work for its people.
It urged the EFCC to be as professional as necessary and respect the fundamental rights of the former governor.
Bello has been facing allegations of financial impropriety, as the EFCC accused him of laundering N80.2 billion and other infractions while he served as governor.
He was charged with three others, including his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted in April 2024, after he allegedly declined invitations for interrogation.
The anti-corruption agency revealed this on its verified Facebook handle on Thursday, April 18.
The photograph of the former governor was displayed with the inscription ‘WANTED’ in the notice.
The charges against Bello include conspiring to convert the sum of N80.2 billion (N80,246,470,089.88) believed to be part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, specifically from criminal breach of trust.
The EFCC has been pushing to bring Yahaya Bello to trial, and the Court of Appeal recently ordered him to appear for arraignment.
The appellate court in a unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, August 20, by Ken Amadi ordered Bello to appear in court.
The ICIR reported that EFCC operatives stormed Bello’s Abuja home on Wednesday, April 17, to arrest him.
However, the arrest was unsuccessful, as multiple reports said his successor and incumbent Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo smuggled out the former governor where the operatives were about to capture him.
In April, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, vowed to step down if he failed to prosecute Bello.
Olukoyede also warned that anyone interfering with Bello’s arrest would face consequences.
Attempts to confirm Bello’s presence at the EFCC office were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to the phone of the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, got no response.
A reporter with the ICIR
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