Yahaya Bello Finally Surrenders To EFCC Over Alleged ₦80bn Money Laundering

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has finally turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This development follows the decision by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjourn the money laundering case against Bello, brought by the EFCC, until September 25.

The EFCC had previously filed a 19-count charge against Yahaya Bello, accusing him of laundering ₦80 billion.

However, Bello had repeatedly ignored the EFCC’s summons for questioning and had also skipped multiple court hearings.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 18, by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, it was confirmed that Bello agreed to appear before the EFCC “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.”

The statement also highlighted Bello’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to promote sustainable economic development and combat corruption in Nigeria.

It noted that Bello was the first Kogi State Governor to establish an anti-corruption framework to safeguard public resources.

Michael added that several prominent Nigerians accompanied Bello to the EFCC Headquarters, and expressed hope that the commission would handle the matter professionally while respecting his rights as a citizen.

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.”

KanyiDaily recalls that the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun recently ordered the withdrawal of all police officers assigned to Yahaya Bello.