Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has stated that he is not in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, saying he was asked to leave after visiting the agency.
Bello explained that he visited the EFCC on Wednesday to respond to an invitation regarding an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. He was accompanied by his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State.
However, the EFCC claims that Bello did not honour their invitation and that he is still wanted.
In a statement from the Head of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, Bello said he left the EFCC headquarters without being questioned, as officials told him he could go.
“Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission 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, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,” Ohiare stated.
