Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, revealed that he voluntarily surrendered himself to the EFCC but was surprisingly asked to leave without being interrogated.
In a statement issued by Ohiare Michael, Director of Bello’s media office, it was disclosed that the former governor, along with his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, visited the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to respond to charges against him.
Bello’s Voluntary Surrender
The statement highlighted that although Bello turned himself in for questioning, the EFCC did not proceed with any interrogation. “The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave,” read the statement. It added, “As we write, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”
The visit came in response to an invitation from the anti-graft agency, which had declared Bello wanted earlier in April on charges of money laundering. The former governor has been accused of diverting over N80 billion from the Kogi State treasury during his time in office.
EFCC Denies Custody
Following the reports of Bello’s surrender, the EFCC swiftly released a statement denying that the former governor was in its custody. Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, said, “The news of Mr Bello surrendering to the EFCC is incorrect.” The statement did not confirm whether or not Bello had appeared at their office but emphasized that the ex-governor “remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
This contradictory statement from the EFCC has left many speculating about the situation. Despite months of efforts to apprehend Bello, it is unclear why the anti-corruption agency allowed him to leave its premises without any questioning.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Bello’s media office maintained that the former governor was willing to clear his name, stating that he has nothing to hide. The statement pointed out that Bello’s legal team had consistently represented him in court during all previous hearings. “The former governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” the statement read.
Bello has faced several legal challenges since leaving office in January, and his arraignment has been delayed multiple times. The EFCC filed 19 charges of money laundering against him, but the former governor has repeatedly avoided court appearances.
He missed six scheduled court sessions and has filed multiple legal actions in a bid to halt the trial, including requests to transfer the case from Abuja to the Lokoja Division of the Federal High Court. Both the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, rejected these requests.
Uncertainty Surrounding EFCC’s Next Move
Wednesday’s development adds another layer of complexity to the case, especially with the trial scheduled to resume in a week. The public remains in the dark regarding the EFCC’s next steps, with many questioning the reasons behind the agency’s decision to let Bello go after months of unsuccessful attempts to bring him to court.
The former governor’s legal battles are far from over. His nephew, Ali Bello, is also facing related charges in a separate trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja. As the case continues to unfold, the public is left waiting for further clarity from the EFCC and the courts.
With the next court session set for September 25, many are eager to see how the EFCC will handle this high-profile case and whether Yahaya Bello will finally face trial for the alleged N80 billion fraud.