.Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello honoured EFCC invitation to Abuja Office, says Aide
BY ANDREW OROLUA
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has denied media reports that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in its holding facility.
The anti- graft agency denial came after a statement issued by Yahaya Bello media office signed by Ohiare Michael, as Director, confirmed the ex Gov Bello honouring the anti-graft agency invitation on Wednesday. The former governor had evaded arrest and ignored court summons since last year.
EFCC Head, Media & Publicity Dele Oyewale, said in a statement “that the media reports today (Wednesday) that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.”
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“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
But early on Wednesday, it was reported that former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has finally honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over issues raised against him while in office as the executive governor.
The statement that Bello’s decision on Wednesday was after consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
A statement signed by Ohiare Michael, a director from Yahaya Bello media office confirmed that Bello honoured the anti-graft agency invitation.
The statement read in part: “Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello today (Wednesday) honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“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 statement said.
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