The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims that embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is in its custody.
News Central reported that the Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, in a statement released on Wednesday, said the former governor honoured the EFCC invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.
There was no official photo showing Bello in EFCC custody and details about the said arrest was unclear.
Refuting this claim, the EFCC released an official statement saying that Yahaya Bello is not in their custody. The anti-graft agency said the ex-governor remains wanted “for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges.”
It reads: “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.”
Media & Publicity
September 18, 2024
In April, Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged financial misconduct amounting to N80.2 billion.
The EFCC raided Bello’s residence in the Wuse area of Abuja in an attempt to arrest the former governor. However, the Commission later confirmed that he was taken away by his successor, Usman Ododo.
The case has been in court, but despite numerous adjournments, the former governor has not appeared before the trial judge.
Bello held the position of governor of the Kogi state from January 27, 2016 to January 27, 2024. He handed over to Ododo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also from his party.