Confusion Over The Whereabouts Of Yahaya Bello

OpenLife Nigeria reports that confusion has pervaded the public space over the whereabouts of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

In earlier reports, Bello was said to have surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

This came after a prolonged snub of the anti-graft agency’s invitation to answer for financial impropriety allegations levelled against him.

A statement on Wednesday by Yahaya Bello’s Media office Director, Ohiare Michael, made available to newsmen, stated that Bello “willingly surrendered to the anti-graft agency because the former Kogi governor has great respect for the rule of law and supports President Tinubu’s fight against corruption in the country.”

He said: “This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

“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 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,” the statement read.
However and in an outright denial of the earlier statement, the EFCC has said that Yahaya Bello is not in their Custody

A statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity and made available to OpenLife Wednesday afternoon reads in full:

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.