Former Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello honours EFCC invitation

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission amid ongoing investigations into alleged money laundering involving over N80 billion.

This development follows a previous refusal by Bello to attend an interrogation session, where he expressed concerns about potential media scrutiny surrounding the investigation.

A statement by Bello’s media team on Wednesday disclosed that the decision was after due consultations with family, legal team and political allies.

The statement reads, “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.”

The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had previously stated that he personally reached out to Bello to facilitate his appearance for questioning.

However, Bello declined, suggesting that he would prefer the EFCC operatives come to his village instead.

On April 23, 2024, the EFCC formally served Bello with charges through his legal counsel after he failed to appear in court. The charges include 19 counts related to money laundering and financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.

The court has scheduled a hearing for May 10, 2024, to address the defence’s request to revoke an arrest warrant issued against Bello.