The where about of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello remains uncertain at press time but he reportedly left the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, office in Abuja after voluntarily turning himself in, without undergoing any interrogation.
A statement from his media office, explained that Bello honored the EFCC’s invitation as a demonstration of his respect for the law and constituted authority.
Michael Ohiare, Director of Media, disclosed that EFCC officials did not question Bello, instead informing him that he was free to leave. The former governor’s visit was framed as a proactive step to clear his name, as his media office emphasized that he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
Meanwhile, in another incident, EFCC has dismissed claims by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello that he voluntarily turned himself in, revealing that he was actually arrested during a midnight operation in Lokoja. Bello was said to be in custody at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, where he faces a 19-count charge of money laundering involving ₦80 billion.
READ ALSO : Yahaya Bello finally honors EFCC ‘s invitation
While Bello’s media team had stated that the ex-governor willingly reported to the EFCC after consulting with family, legal advisers, and political associates, the EFCC clarified that Bello had been evading court summons since the case was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in April 2024. A source within the EFCC, disclosed that operatives tracked and arrested Bello early in the morning, contradicting the narrative presented by his media office.
The EFCC has maintained that Bello was apprehended and did not voluntarily surrender, challenging his media office’s claim that his decision to cooperate was to uphold his fundamental human rights and follow due process.
Bello is currently facing legal charges related to alleged money laundering and breach of trust. The EFCC is prosecuting him alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu. Despite the ongoing case, Bello’s media team maintains that the court should ultimately determine his fate.
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