Controversy, confusion trail ‘arrest’ of ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello
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Conflicting reports emerged, on Wednesday, regarding the presence of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His reported appearance at EFCC headquarters sparked controversy, with conflicting reports about the circumstances of his arrest.
While sources within the EFCC claim that the former governor was apprehended in a midnight sting operation, Bello’s media team maintained that he voluntarily honoured the Commission’s invitation.
One source stated: “Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.
“He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives trailing and apprehending him at midnight.”
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However, this account contrasts sharply with an earlier press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office.
Michael maintained that Bello had honoured the EFCC’s invitation after careful consideration and consultation with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The press statement reads, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.”
The media team of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) contradicted each other with reports of the presence of the ex-governor at the office of anti-graft agency.
Salient Times had reported how the media office of the former governor earlier in a statement claimed that Bello honoured an invitation extended to him by the EFCC.
According to his media office, the decision was made after consultations with his family, legal team and political allies, adding the details of Bello’s engagement with the operatives of the anti-graft agency would be disclosed later.
The statement signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, said: “It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
But EFCC in a statement by Dele Oyewale, its spokesman, dismissed the claims that the former governor honoured its invitation.
The commission specifically said the former governor remains wanted for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges.
“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. Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
In response, the ex-governor’s media team released photos of him arriving at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
A statement by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, which provided updates on the visit of the former governor to the anti-graft agency office in Abuja said, “EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office”.
