Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has finally responded to the invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
According to a statement from the Yahaya Bello Media Office, signed by the Director, Ohiare Michael, prominent individuals from Nigeria escorted the ex-governor to the EFCC headquarters.
The statement was entitled “FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION”.
It reads:
“Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.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 in order 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 supports 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 work 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.”
Ohiare Michael,
Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office
18-09-2024
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Yahaya Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu with 19 counts related to money laundering, amounting to N80,246,470,089.88.
It’s worth noting that on April 23, Bello received his charges through his legal representative, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN), following a ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. The ruling stated that the defendant should be served through his counsel, particularly as he failed to appear before the court again.