By Augustine Aminu
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the presence of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
His reported appearance at EFCC headquarters sparked controversy, with conflicting reports about the circumstances of his arrest.
While sources within the EFCC claim that the former governor was apprehended in a midnight sting operation, Bello’s media team maintained that he voluntarily honoured the Commission’s invitation.
A highly placed EFCC source stated: “Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.
“He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives trailing and apprehending him at midnight.”
However, this account contrasts sharply with an earlier press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office.
Michael maintained that Bello had honoured the EFCC’s invitation after careful consideration and consultation with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The press statement reads, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.”
The statement emphasised that Bello has great respect for the rule of law and has always sought to ensure due process.
It also noted that the case is before a competent court, with Bello being duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.
Bello’s media team insists that the former governor decided to clear his name by honouring the EFCC’s invitation, reiterating that he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
They also highlighted his past efforts to combat corruption in Kogi State, stating, “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.”
Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by high-profile individuals, and his media team has urged the Commission to respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of Nigeria.
The situation remains tense, with the public awaiting further details on the developments surrounding Bello’s presence at the EFCC office.
Another angle was added to the controversy and confusion when EFCC released a statement, saying Bello remained wanted.
According to EFCC, Yahaya Bello remained wanted.
In the statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the ex-governor remained wanted “for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges”.
“Media reports today 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.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
However, Bello’s media office retorted in a statement that he was there, but that the anti-graft agency’s officials refused to interrogate the former governor.
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