Yahaya Bello’s media office claims the former governor of Kogi state was never invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This was contained in a statement issued by the office. The statement claimed that EFCC proclaimed the former governor wanted without giving him an invitation.
It added that Bello is not frightened of the EFCC.
The EFCC had accused the former governor of laundering N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.
On April 17, EFCC agents laid siege to Bello‘s Abuja home in an attempt to arrest him.
While the operatives were at Bello’s home, Kogi Governor Usman Ododo arrived on the scene.
The EFCC officers halted their siege shortly after Ododo exited the apartment.
Ododo was believed to have saved Bello from his home.
During the drama, the Kogi High Court ruled in a basic rights enforcement case, prohibiting the commission from “harassing, threatening to arrest, or detaining” the former governor.
On the same day, the EFCC obtained an arrest warrant for Bello from an Abuja federal high court.
EFCC proclaimed the former governor wanted, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) placed him on a watchlist.
In the statement, Michael stated that Bello is not a fugitive from justice.
The statement reads:
“Let it be known to all that Alhaji Yahaya Bello is not afraid of the EFCC, he is not a fugitive running from the Law. All he demands is that the rule of law be respected!!.”
“The EFCC stated that they invited Alhaji Yahaya Bello immediately after his tenure ended on the 27th of January 2024. We challenge the EFCC to publish a copy of the invitation delivered to Yahaya Bello,” the statement reads.
“They should also tell Nigerians the date the alleged invitation was delivered and who it was delivered to. We are certain that the EFCC will not be able to produce any of the foregoing as to date, they have yet to invite Alhaji Yahaya Bello.