Kogi State’s former Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has finally consented to appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for his grilling.
It is important to note that on August 20, the Court of Appeal in Abuja mandated Bello to present himself for arraignment by the EFCC.
Following this, the EFCC issued an arrest warrant, labelling him as wanted due to his repeated noncompliance with court directives to surrender for arraignment.
Bello, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is currently confronted with numerous charges, including 19 counts that encompass allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of public funds totaling approximately N80.2 billion, as asserted by the EFCC.
A statement released today by his media office indicated that Bello’s choice to respond to the EFCC’s invitation was made after discussions with his family, legal advisors, and political associates.
In April, the EFCC had declared him wanted after he allegedly ignored multiple invitations and evaded arrest.
In a statement dated September 18, 2024, entitled “FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION,” Bello said he had nothing to hide or fear.
Yahaya Bello insisted that he has great respect for constituted authority.
The former Governor’s surrendering to EFCC’s invitation reads: “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
“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.”
