Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Faces EFCC Amid ₦80.2bn Laundering Charges, Still Wanted
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has finally honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a series of allegations raised against him during his tenure as the executive governor. This move, made on Wednesday after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies, comes as the embattled ex-governor faces accusations of alleged involvement in a massive ₦80.2 billion money laundering scandal.
In a statement released by his media office and signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of Media, it was confirmed that Bello voluntarily appeared at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja. The statement emphasized the former governor’s respect for the rule of law and desire to clear his name amidst growing public scrutiny.
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“Former Governor Yahaya Bello today honored the invitation of the EFCC. He has always upheld the rule of law and sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process is followed. The case has been before a competent court, and he has been represented by his legal team at every hearing. Now, the governor himself has chosen to engage directly with the Commission,” the statement read.
The statement further highlighted that Bello, who was accompanied to the EFCC office by a group of high-profile Nigerians, remains committed to supporting the anti-corruption agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It also underscored his track record of being the first Kogi governor to implement anti-graft measures aimed at ensuring state resources benefit the people.
Despite his appearance at the EFCC, tensions remain high. The EFCC, in a separate statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, clarified that Bello was not in custody but remains a wanted individual over the alleged ₦80.2 billion laundering charges, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
Oyewale stressed, “Media reports suggesting that Yahaya Bello is in our custody are incorrect. The former governor is still wanted by the Commission in connection to money laundering charges. The investigation is ongoing, and the warrant for his arrest remains active.”
As the nation awaits further details on Bello’s engagement with the EFCC, the situation is charged with suspense, leaving Nigerians questioning whether this will mark a turning point in the investigation or merely the beginning of a long legal battle.
