Fresh controversy dogged former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s money laundering case, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says the embattled governor is still on the run.
Bello had earlier claimed on Wednesday, through a statement by his media director, Ohiare Michael, that he had gone to honour the EFCC’s invitation to show that he had nothing to hide.
However, hours later EFCC claimed that Bello was not in its custody, and that he remained wanted.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the ex-governor remained wanted “for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges”.
“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
IN a swift response, Ohiare released another statement claiming that the commission refused to interrogate his principal who went to the EFCC’s headquarter accompanied by his predecessor, Governor Usman Ododo.
In the statement, Ohiare said, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, office to honour the Commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former Governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that, all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet.
“As we write, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”
“Recall that 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.
“The former Governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
