The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has debunk claim that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello honoured its invitation.
The anti-graft agency in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, clarified that Bello was not in its custody, saying the fugitive former governor remains a wanted man.
The statement 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.”
Bello had earlier said he was honouring the invitation from the EFCC.
The former governor had been declared wanted over allegations of money laundering and other corrupt practices to the tune of N80.2 billion.
In a statement by Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, on Wednesday, Yahaya Bello said the “decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.”
According to him, he only sought enforcement of his fundamental human rights in order to ensure due process, adding that he is a respecter of the rule of law and constituted authority.
The statement reads in part: “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; 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.”
