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After months of evading the authorities, the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has finally responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This development was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael. The statement clarified that Bello’s appearance followed consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
Titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello honours EFCC’s invitation,” the statement emphasized that the former governor has “nothing to hide or fear.”
According to reports, Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians. The former governor faces allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure in Kogi State, and he, along with three others, is charged with 19 counts of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
Despite the charges, the statement stressed that Bello had voluntarily engaged with the EFCC to clear his name. It quoted him as saying, “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 added.
As of now, the EFCC has yet to issue a formal response from its headquarters.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede earlier in the year had vowed to resign if Bello is not prosecuted, pledging to see the case through to its conclusion and ensure that those who obstructed Bello’s arrest would be held accountable.
