Denying allegations of being a fugitive, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) never invited him for questioning.
According to his media officer, Ohiare Michael, Bello emphasized that EFCC had declared him wanted without extending any invitation for interrogation.
Challenging the EFCC to provide proof of the alleged invitation issued to him after his tenure ended, Michael’s statement stated, “Alhaji Yahaya Bello is not fearful of the EFCC and is not evading the law. His sole request is for the rule of law to be upheld.”
The statement further urged, “We challenge the EFCC to make public a copy of the documented invitation sent to Yahaya Bello. They should disclose the delivery date and recipient of the said invitation. As of now, there has been no such invitation extended to Alhaji Yahaya Bello.”
Pointing out the earlier accusations, the statement highlighted, “Just as he was wrapping up his administration, several online platforms reported that EFCC planned to apprehend the Governor upon handing over to his successor, citing alleged misdeeds during his tenure in Kogi State.”
Accused by the EFCC of participating in a money laundering scheme involving N80.2 billion of state funds, EFCC officials attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence on April 17.
During the confrontation, Kogi Governor Usman Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence, leading to the eventual departure of the EFCC operatives without making an arrest.
Following these events, the Kogi High Court issued an order restraining the commission from intimidating or detaining Bello.
Simultaneously, the EFCC secured a warrant for Bello’s arrest from the Federal High Court in Abuja, prompting his disappearance and subsequent inclusion in the wanted list by the anti-corruption agency.