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Yahaya Bello Still on the Run –EFCC

…Insists Former Kogi Gov Not in Custody

Published

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 04:03 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made it clear that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is still on the run and not in their custody.

According to EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, Bello is wanted for alleged money laundering charges to the tune of N80.2 billion.

“Media reports on Wednesday 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,” Oyewale said.

The stance of the anti-graft contradict the position of the Bello’s Media Office that the former governor has honoured the invitation of the EFCC.

A statement by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, on Wednesday, said the former governor honoured EFCC invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.

According to the statement, the former governor had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing investigation.

“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,” the statement read.

In April, Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC Chairman, threatened to resign if the troubled former governor was not prosecuted. He vowed to follow Mr Bello's prosecution to its logical conclusion. He also promised that anyone who obstructed the former governor's arrest will be held accountable.

Yahaya Adoza Bello and others were accused of plotting in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88, allegedly received through a criminal breach of trust, in violation of Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.

Due to the former governor's failure to appear, the anti-graft agency sought a bench warrant (arrest) from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bello's legal team filed an appeal, but the trial court ruled that the case must continue following court rule.

READ ALSO:Edo-election-2024-tension-builds-as-security-forces-deploy-personnel

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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Yahaya Bello Still on the Run –EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made it clear that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is still on the run and not in their custody.

According to EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, Bello is wanted for alleged money laundering charges to the tune of N80.2 billion.

“Media reports on Wednesday 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,” Oyewale said.

The stance of the anti-graft contradict the position of the Bello’s Media Office that the former governor has honoured the invitation of the EFCC.

A statement by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, on Wednesday, said the former governor honoured EFCC invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.

According to the statement, the former governor had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing investigation.

“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,” the statement read.

In April, Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC Chairman, threatened to resign if the troubled former governor was not prosecuted. He vowed to follow Mr Bello's prosecution to its logical conclusion. He also promised that anyone who obstructed the former governor's arrest will be held accountable.

Yahaya Adoza Bello and others were accused of plotting in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88, allegedly received through a criminal breach of trust, in violation of Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.

Due to the former governor's failure to appear, the anti-graft agency sought a bench warrant (arrest) from the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bello's legal team filed an appeal, but the trial court ruled that the case must continue following court rule.

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