EFCC says Bello remains wanted over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
Former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello was not interrogated at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after honouring the Commission’s invitation on Wednesday, his media office has said.
According to a statement by the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, the former governor visited the anti-graft agency after months of back-and-forth and an attempt by the agency to arrest him.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave,” Michael stated.
“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.”
Bello’s spokesman said the former governor voluntarily turned himself in to the anti-graft agency over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
Michael explained that Bello decided “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.
He reiterated that the ex-Kogi governor has “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 to ensure due process.”
The media office’s statement is contrary to the EFCC’s claim that Bello is still wanted by the anti-graft agency.
In a statement, EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said Bello remains wanted.
“Media reports today 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,” the statement reads.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
On April 18, the EFCC declared Bello wanted after an unsuccessful attempt to arrest him.
Prior to this, the former governor failed to appear in court to defend the allegations made against him by the anti-graft agency.
The commission also asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station
No comments:
Post a Comment