After months on the run, the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has turned himself into the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to be interrogated over allegations of financial impropriety during his administration.
Breaking the news in a statement, the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency followed consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
According to the statement, titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello Honours EFCC’s Invitation,” Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians.
The former governor has been embroiled in a longstanding conflict with the EFCC over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kogi State.
He and three others are facing 19 charges related to money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
However, the statement emphasised that the former governor voluntarily engaged with the EFCC to clear his name, asserting that he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
It also noted that Bello had previously sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing investigation.
The statement reads: “The case is before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the EFCC’s invitation to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. The former Governor firmly supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in placing Nigeria on the path to sustainable economic development and backs the fight against corruption in the country.”
