In a recent development, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has expressed her support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its efforts to pursue legal action against the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in connection to an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
Additionally, she also commended the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for reallocating 14 properties that had been initially confiscated by the federal government to the government and people of Enugu State.
In response to Bello’s reasons for not honoring the EFCC’s summons, the Senator stressed the importance of the commission extending its investigation to other corrupt public officials to dispel any perception of biased targeting of the former governor.
A video that has since gone viral featured the EFCC chairman recounting an incident where Bello allegedly cited the actions of a certain female senator who supposedly orchestrated negative press coverage against him whenever he visited the EFCC’s office in Abuja for questioning.
In a statement released by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, in Abuja over the weekend, Senator Natasha reminded Bello of the necessity of upholding Nigeria’s laws and constitution, especially considering his former role as the chief security officer of Kogi.
Expressing her surprise at Bello’s evasion of the EFCC’s invitation, she emphasized the significance of abiding by the law and urged him to respond to the summons to clear his name while he still has the opportunity.
She further acknowledged the EFCC’s conscientious handling of the case, emphasizing that no individual is above the law. She urged the agency to diligently pursue the investigation to its conclusion to earn the trust of both Nigerians and the global community in the fight against corruption.