Yahaya Bello has not submitted himself to EFCC – official

Abuja, Sept. 18, 2024 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied that Yahaya Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State, has submitted himself to the organisation in furtherance of his pending case.  

The EFCC made the denial in a rejoinder to the earlier claims by Yahaya Bello’s media office that the former governor had submitted himself to the EFCC.

It said Yahaya Bello had not reported to the EFCC and still remained wanted as it had earlier declared.

The statement reads: “The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.”

“Yahaya Bello still remained wanted as it had earlier declared.”

Yahaya Bello’s media office earlier issued a statement on Wednesday claiming that his principal had finally reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after months of hiding.

The statement reads: “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.

“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. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has 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.

“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians. 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.

“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.” (GBN)