Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s alleged visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports from his media office and the anti-graft agency.
Bello’s media office, led by Director Ohiare Michael, claimed that the former governor voluntarily appeared at the EFCC headquarters to clear his name of money laundering allegations totaling N80.2 billion. Michael stated that Bello acted after consultations with legal and political advisors, expressing the former governor’s respect for due process and the rule of law.
Michael also emphasized that Bello has consistently been represented in court and has nothing to hide. According to the media team, Bello was accompanied by prominent Nigerians, including Kogi Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
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However, shortly after this statement, EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale refuted these claims, stating that Bello was still wanted and had not been taken into custody. The EFCC also reiterated an active arrest warrant for the former governor over the charges.
Bello’s media team responded by insisting that he had indeed visited the EFCC, but the commission opted not to question him. The reasons behind this decision remain unclear.
The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted, alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, over 19 counts of money laundering.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battles surrounding the former governor, who is also known for his close ties to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.