Controversy has erupted over the reported visit of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
While Bello’s media team claimed he voluntarily appeared at the EFCC, the anti-corruption agency refuted this, insisting that the former governor remains a wanted person.
In a statement released, the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, confirmed that the ex-governor went to the EFCC headquarters to respond to the agency’s invitation.
According to Michael, Bello decided after consulting his legal team and political associates.
He said, “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.”
Michael further explained that Bello, respecting the rule of law, intended to use the visit to clear his name of all allegations.
He noted that the case is already before a competent court and that Bello has consistently been represented by his legal team.
The former governor, he added, has nothing to hide and supports the anti-corruption efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He also emphasized Bello’s previous efforts to fight corruption as Kogi governor.
Bello, according to Michael, was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by prominent figures, and his team expects the agency to handle the case professionally, respecting his rights as a citizen.
However, in a sharp rebuttal, the EFCC denied that Bello was in their custody.
Spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated, “Media reports that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are incorrect. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.”
Oyewale added that Bello, who has been declared wanted by the EFCC over N80.2 billion in alleged money laundering charges, is still at large, with an arrest warrant in effect.
In response, Bello’s media team reiterated that the former governor had indeed visited the EFCC headquarters but was not interrogated, and that he left the premises after officials allowed him to depart.
They maintained that Bello remains committed to clearing his name through due process.
The EFCC has filed 19 charges against Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello and others, for alleged money laundering involving over N80 billion. Despite multiple attempts to apprehend him, Bello remains wanted by the commission.
