Yahaya Bello’s media office reports the former governor of Kogi was at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja but was asked to leave without being grilled.
On Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, director of Bello’s media office, stated that the former governor “honoured the invitation” of the anti-graft agency about alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misuse of N80.2 billion.
Michael stated that Bello accepted the EFCC‘s request “after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies”.
However, in a statement, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disputed that the former governor was in the agency’s custody, stating that Bello is still wanted.
But Bello’s media office has insisted that their principal was at the EFCC headquarters in the company of Usman Ododo, the incumbent governor of Kogi.
According to NAN, Oyewale said:
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi, who walked into the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday morning, left the commission’s office unquestioned.”
“The EFCC did not interrogate him. He was told that he could leave by officials of the commission. We don’t know what this means yet.
“He was accompanied to the commission’s office by Gov Usman Ododo.”
Following an unsuccessful attempt to capture Bello, the EFCC declared him wanted on April 18 and encouraged anyone with knowledge about his whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.
Prior to this, the former governor had neglected to appear in court to defend himself against the anti-graft agency’s claims.