In a recent controversy surrounding former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, gunshots rent the air on Wednesday night when officials of the EFCC attempted to arrest the Yahaya at a Governor’s lodge in the Asokoro District in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It was gathered that Resistance by security operatives at the governor’s lodge immediately led to an altercation with armed officials of the anti-graft agency.
It was also learnt that Incumbent Kogi governor, Ahmed Ododo, reportedly whisked his predeccessor away.
In yet another press statement, by the Bello media office , the anti-graft agency surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, and repeatedly fired gun shots in their bid to arrest him on Wednesday’s night.
The statement partly reads “Tonight’s attack was needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no question to ask Alh. Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.
“This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption. This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption,”.
Earlier, the Former governor's alleged visit to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sparked controversy.
While the ex-governor’s media team claimed that their principal voluntarily visited the EFCC, the anti-graft agency refuted the claims, insisting that Bello remains on their wanted list.
In a recent Statement made available by the director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, claimed that their Principal surrendered to EFCC and was accompanied by the current governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and other dignitaries.
Michael emphasized that the former Kogi governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters to honour the agency’s invitation adding that Bello’s decision came after talks with his legal team, family and political associates.
He said, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This decision was made after reasonable 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 to ensure due process.”
Michael added, “The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has 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 firmly believes 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.
In a surprising turn, the EFCC opposed Michael’s assertions, insisting that the former governor was not in its custody and remained a wanted person.
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 are incorrect. The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated.
“Bello, who has already been declared wanted by the commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”He added.
However, in response to the EFCC's rejoinder, the Bello Media Office issued another statement, maintaining their stance that Bello was at the EFCC headquarters and that the commission declined to question the former governor.
The second statement from Michael reads “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order 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, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office."
The EFCC has filed 19 charges against former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, alongside three others - his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu - for allegedly laundering a staggering N80,246,470,088.88.
