The media office representing Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi, has stated that their boss was told to leave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) premises without undergoing questioning.
News About Nigeria, earlier reported on Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, who directs Bello’s media office, said that the former governor had “honoured the invitation” from the anti-corruption agency concerning allegations of money laundering.
Michael said that Bello reached this decision “after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.”
However, a statement from Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, refuted claims that the former governor was in their custody, asserting that Bello is still wanted.
The ex-governor’s media office issued another statement claiming that their principal was present at the EFCC office with Usman Ododo, his successor.
The media office further stated that the EFCC did not interrogate him and informed him that he was free to leave.
“Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation,” the statement mentions.
“In the statement, we emphasised the former governor’s great respect for the rule of law and established authority, highlighting that throughout the process, he sought to uphold his fundamental rights to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that 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 former governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
