Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marking the end of a prolonged dispute and an attempt by the agency to apprehend him.
In a statement from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, it was revealed that Bello decided to meet with the EFCC after discussions with his family, legal team, and political associates.
The statement highlighted Bello’s respect for the rule of law, noting that he had sought to protect his fundamental rights while ensuring that legal procedures were followed. The case, which has been ongoing in court, has seen Bello represented by his legal team throughout the process. Now, the former governor has chosen to engage directly with the EFCC to clear his name, confident that he has nothing to hide or fear.
Bello expressed his continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and his stance against corruption. As a former governor, he was the first to implement an anti-corruption initiative in Kogi State, aimed at ensuring the state’s resources benefited its people.
Yahaya Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by prominent Nigerians, with Michael expressing hope that the commission would respect his rights throughout the proceedings.
This development follows the adjournment of Bello’s money laundering case by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with hearings rescheduled for September 25. The EFCC had charged Bello with 19 counts of alleged money laundering amounting to ₦80 billion. Despite prior resistance, Bello has now agreed to cooperate with the investigation.
