Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has officially responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation after a prolonged period of non-compliance.
According to a statement from Bello’s Media Office, signed by Director Ohiare Michael, Bello attended the EFCC headquarters on September 18, 2024, accompanied by prominent Nigerians. This development follows his earlier failure to appear in court and the subsequent service of charges through his counsel.
The EFCC has charged Bello, alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, with 19 counts related to money laundering, involving approximately N80 billion. The charges were formally served to Bello’s legal team on April 23, 2024, after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled in favor of service through counsel due to Bello’s repeated absences.
The statement emphasized Bello’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, asserting that he had been seeking to ensure his fundamental rights were respected. It noted that Bello had consistently supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts and had previously implemented anti-corruption measures during his tenure as governor.
Bello’s media team expressed hope that the EFCC would conduct the proceedings with professionalism and respect for his rights. The statement reaffirmed Bello’s readiness to clear his name and cooperate fully with the investigation.