In a surprising twist, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is not in its custody, contradicting the statement released earlier by Yahaya Bello’s media office.
In a statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the ex-governor remains wanted “for alleged N80.2billion 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 N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
Surprise, Confusion, Twists
In a confusing twist, the stance of the anti-graft agency contradicts the position of the Bello’s Media Office that the former governor has honoured the invitation of the EFCC.
A statement by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, on Wednesday, said the former governor honoured EFCC invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.
Michael, however, did not provide further details or photo of the ex-governor’s visit to the EFCC.
PACESETTER reports that shortly after the report of Bello’s visit to EFCC, Vanguard had published a story citing an anonymous source within the EFCC which said Yahaya Bello was arrested in a midnight sting operation and did not honour the invitation as reported, implying that he (Bello) was in EFCC’s office.
Similarly, Punch provided pictures of Bello walking into EFCC’s Abuja office in the company of Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo.
Background
Earlier in April, the EFCC declared Bello wanted for alleged financial crime to the tune of N80.2 billion.
The EFCC had stormed Bello’s residence in the Wuse area of Abuja and attempt to arrest the former governor whom the Commission later confirmed was whisked away by his successor, Usman Ododo.
The matter has been in court but the former governor has not appeared before the trial judge despite many adjournments.
Bello served as the governor of the North Central state from January 27, 2016 to January 27, 2024, when he handed over to Ododo, his fellow party man in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Channels TV/Pacesetter