Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has voluntarily appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, following an invitation from the anti-graft agency. Bello is being investigated for allegations of fraud and corrupt enrichment during his tenure as governor.
In a statement released by his media team, it was noted that the decision to honor the EFCC’s invitation was made after consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates. The statement emphasized, “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.”
According to the statement, the legal proceedings have been ongoing, and Bello has been represented by his legal team in court. The statement further explained that Yahaya Bello is confident in his innocence, adding, “It is important for the former Governor to now honor the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
Bello expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its anti-corruption stance, noting that, “He firmly believes in the efforts of the administration to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption.”
The statement also highlighted that Bello was the first Governor of Kogi State to implement anti-corruption measures to ensure accountability of state resources. “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 former Governor was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several prominent Nigerians, with his media team urging that “the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Further details of Yahaya Bello’s engagement with the EFCC are expected to be released later.
Details to follow…
