Yahaya Bello Finally Out Of Hiding, Keeps Date With EFCC

After several months in hiding, immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday finally appeared in public to honour an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to his media office which confirmed the latest development in a statement released to journalists in Abuja, Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency comes after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.

The statement was titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello honours EFCC’s invitation” said the former Kogi State Chief Executive was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians, including his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

In Wednesday’s statement, Ohiare Michael, Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, claimed thus; “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.

“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. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.”

The statement further said; “It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

However, Ohiare added that details of Bello’s engagement with the anti-graft agency operatives would be made public later.

Meanwhile, the EFCC is yet to react to the development as of the time of filing this report. The Commission has been in a running battle with the former governor over alleged financial impropriety during his eight years in charge of the Confluence State.

Bello and three others are facing 19 count charges related to money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.

In April, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had vowed to resign if the embattled former governor is not prosecuted.

Olukoyede swore to follow the prosecution of Mr Bello to the logical conclusion. He also vowed that all those who obstructed the arrest of the former governor would be brought to justice.

Declaring Bello wanted after he reportedly shunned a series of invitations and resisted arrest, EFCC officials had stormed Bello’s residence in Abuja to arrest him, but there was a stalemate.

Despite being reinforced with backup support from the Police and Department of State Services (DSS), the EFCC operatives spent hours without success in their mission as reports later emerged that Governor Ododo arrived at the scene to ferry his embattled predecessor to safety away from Abuja.

Interestingly, that incident on April 17, 2024, was the last time Bello made any public appearance.