The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on Wednesday said the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello was not in its custody.
The commission, in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that Bello remains wanted with a subsisting warrant of arrest.
According to the statement “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.
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“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
Meanwhile, Yahaya Bello Media Office had earlier claimed in a statement on Wednesday morning that the former governor had honoured the EFCC invitation.
A statement signed by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency comes after consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
The statement was titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello honours EFCC’s invitation”
Bello was said to have been accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians.
The former governor has been in a running battle with the anti-graft agency over alleged financial impropriety while he was the number one citizen of Kogi.
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He and three others are facing 19 counts related to money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.
However, the statement disclosed that the former governor personally engaged with the EFCC to clear his name, stating he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
It said that he had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing investigation.
“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,” the statement read.