There’s been a lot of back-and-forth surrounding Yahaya Bello’s encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello’s media office initially claimed that the former governor voluntarily honored the EFCC’s invitation ¹. However, sources within the anti-graft agency painted a different picture, stating that Bello was arrested in a sting operation late at night.
But here’s the twist – the EFCC later released a statement saying that Bello is still wanted and not in their custody. This contradicts the earlier statement from Bello’s media office, which said that he had voluntarily honored the invitation .
It’s unclear what really transpired, but it’s evident that there are conflicting narratives. The EFCC’s statement raises more questions than answers, and we’ll have to wait for further clarification on the matter.
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has decided to honor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation to clear his name amidst allegations of N80.2 billion money laundering. This decision comes after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies, demonstrating his commitment to respecting the rule of law and due process.
Bello’s legal team has been representing him in court hearings, and he believes it’s essential to cooperate with the EFCC to prove his innocence ¹ ² ³ ⁴. The former governor supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to combat corruption and promote sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
Charges Against Yahaya Bello:
· Conspiracy and Money Laundering: Alleged involvement in laundering N80.2 billion, with 19 charges filed against him, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu .
· Breaches of Trust and Misappropriation: Accused of misusing funds and violating trust, with specific counts including concealment and indirect procurement of large sums .
EFCC’s Stance:
· The EFCC reaffirms that Yahaya Bello remains wanted, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest .
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The commission emphasizes that Bello is not above the law and will be brought to justice .
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 worked for the people of the state.
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has finally honored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation, accompanied by high-profile Nigerians. This development comes after months of back-and-forth and the EFCC’s attempt to arrest him . Bello’s team claims he voluntarily submitted himself to the commission to clear his name, having nothing to hide .
However, the EFCC maintains that Bello remains wanted for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges .The charges against him include conspiring to convert the said amount, which is believed to be proceeds of unlawful activity, specifically criminal breach of trust .
Bello’s arraignment has been set for September 25, 2024, after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja adjourned proceedings . It’s worth noting that Bello has consistently refused to honor EFCC’s invitations for questioning and has boycotted court trials in the past .
The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, emphasized that Bello is not above the law and will be brought to justice .
Oyewale said in a statement: “Media reports today (yesterday) that 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.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody
