Abuja, Sept. 18, 2024 – Yahaya Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State, finally reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after months of hiding.
The EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted in April after failing to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to face charges related to an alleged N84bn money laundering scheme.
He EFCC has extend Yahaya Bello’s search abroad and had invited the Interpol to assist in the manhunt.
But surprisingly Bello has turned himself up at the EFCC.
According to his media office, Bello decided to honour EFCC’s invitation after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies, said his media office.
His media office wrote: “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. 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.”
