Former Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello, is currently at the Headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.
There are indications that the former was arrested by operatives of the EFCC in Lokoja.
A source said Mr. Bello was trailed and arrested at midnight.
He is facing a 19-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N80billion.
Since the commencement of the case against him in April 2024 at the federal high court Abuja, the former governor has been absent from court to take his plea.
The account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is however different from what the media office of the former governor said.
His media office earlier said the former governor honoured the invitation of the Commission after consultations with his Political, Legal and family.
The Statement added that the former governor was doing his level best to stay within the ambits of the law and enforce his fundamental rights and not evade arrest.
Read Full Statement Below…
FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
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 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.
Ohiare Michael,
Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office
18-09-2024
