80.2bn Fraud: Yahaya Bello Honours EFCC’s Invite
Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his media office confirmed on Wednesday. A statement signed by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Michael Ohiare, announced the development, noting that the former governor’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency was made after extensive consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
Bello, who has been in a protracted battle with the EFCC over allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. He was accompanied by a delegation of high-profile Nigerians, including political allies and legal representatives. The visit is seen as part of Bello’s efforts to address the 19-count charge brought against him and three other individuals, relating to alleged money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.
The statement from his media office emphasized Bello’s commitment to the rule of law and his respect for the EFCC as a constituted authority. It further highlighted his decision to engage with the commission as an opportunity to clear his name and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. According to the statement, Bello had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights, aiming to ensure that due process is followed throughout the investigation.
This latest development follows months of legal wrangling between the former governor and the EFCC. Yahaya Bello has consistently maintained his innocence, stressing that he has nothing to hide and is confident that the judicial process will vindicate him. His legal team has been representing him in court at each stage of the proceedings, and the former governor himself has been closely involved in discussions with his lawyers and political allies.
In a show of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Bello reaffirmed his backing of the government’s anti-corruption drive, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The statement noted that during Bello’s tenure as governor, he was the first in Kogi State to implement a comprehensive anti-corruption mechanism to combat graft and ensure state resources were directed towards the welfare of the people.
While the EFCC has yet to issue a formal statement on Bello’s appearance, sources close to the commission suggest that the former governor’s cooperation may expedite the investigation process. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, was unavailable for comment at the time of this report.
In a previous statement made in April 2024, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede had vowed to see Bello prosecuted, promising to resign if the former governor was not brought to justice. The EFCC chief had also pledged that any individuals obstructing Bello’s arrest or investigation would face consequences.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Bello’s media team expressed confidence that their principal would be treated fairly by the commission and that his fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen would be upheld throughout the investigation.
Source: CNN
