The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied detaining former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello over alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
The EFCC made the denial, reacting to claims by Yahaya Bello’s camp that the former governor was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency.
EFCC in a statement by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale said:
“Media reports today (yesterday) that 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 N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.”
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello’s media office had in a statement issued by the Director, Ohiare Michael said:
“Former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today (yesterday) 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 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 support 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 worked 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.”