Former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, September 18, turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). T
he former Governor was declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged fraud and corrupt enrichment while in office.
A statement released today September 18 by the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said the decision to turn himself in was made after due consultations with 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 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.”
It would be recalled that Bello was sued by the EFCC on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering to the tune of N80bn. However, Bello has consistently refused to honour EFCC’s invitations for questioning, and has consistently boycotted court trials.
