Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi
State, voluntarily visited the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office
today in response to their invitation.
Despite his willingness to cooperate, Bello was not interrogated by EFCC officials, who instead
told him he could leave, Ohiare Michael, Bello’s spokesperson said in an update.
The reason behind this decision is currently unclear.
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency had declared the former governor wanted for N80.2 billion money laundering charges. However, Bello refused to show up.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, he showed up at the EFCC’s office, his media aide said. But the agency said he was not in their custody.
“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,” Micheal said in a statement.
“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. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“ Recall that 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 former Governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
