Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has yielded to pressure and surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released on Wednesday by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, it was announced that Bello responded to the EFCC’s invitation “after thorough consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.”
The statement said, “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.”
Michael said Yahaya was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profiled 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,” the statement added.
The decision follows Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja adjourning proceedings on the alleged money laundering case brought against Bello by the EFCC to September 25.
Bello faces a 19-count charge from the EFCC related to alleged money laundering involving ₦80 billion.
Despite this, he has repeatedly declined to respond to EFCC’s invitations for questioning and has consistently avoided court appearances.