The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was not in its custody.
News About Nigeria reports that this was contained in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.
Oyewale stated that Bello remains wanted with a pending warrant of arrest.
“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, are incorrect,” he said.
“The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
Recall that earlier on Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, director of Bello’s media office, said Bello “today, honoured the invitation” of the anti-graft agency.
Michael said Bello made the decision “after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.”
Bello’s media office had said 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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
