Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has finally turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ending months of speculation about his whereabouts and legal status.
In a press statement from his media office, it was emphasized that Bello has always maintained respect for the rule of law and constitutional authority.
The former governor, who had previously sought legal protection to uphold his fundamental rights, now feels it is time to clear his name.
According to the statement, “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 EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April 2024 after he allegedly ignored repeated summons and resisted previous attempts to arrest him. In a dramatic event earlier this year, EFCC officials, backed by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), attempted to arrest him at his residence.
However, after a standoff that lasted hours, they were unsuccessful. Reports at the time suggested that security forces opened fire when Governor Usman Ododo, Bello’s successor, left the compound, suspecting Bello was in the vehicle.
Despite this, Bello’s media team stresses that the former governor has nothing to fear.
Read full statement below;
YAHAYA BELLO MEDIA OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
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. 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.
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.
Ohiare Michael,
Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office
18-09-2024
