Sources have revealed that the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, did not willingly relinquish himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reliable sources within the nation’s anti-graft agency noted that Bello is currently held at their headquarters in Abuja.
It was revealed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was arrested during a midnight operation.
According to an insider, although Bello initially asserted that he had willingly responded to the EFCC’s summons, he was actually tracked down and arrested by operatives in Lokoja during the late hours.
“The former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is now at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja after being arrested in Lokoja, where he was pursued and detained by operatives at midnight,” the source reported.
Earlier, a statement from Ohiare Michael, the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, mentioned that Bello had complied with the EFCC’s invitation.
Ohiare stated, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji 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 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.
“We 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.”
