“I Came, Was Asked To Leave,” Yahaya Bello Reacts To EFCC Non Compliance Allegation

By Ayodele Oni

The ding-dung affair continues as the embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has insisted that he visited the office of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Wednesday and was instructed to leave.

Bello who did not name any official of the Commission that attended to him, stated that he attended the agency’s office on Wednesday to respond to an invitation regarding an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, accompanied by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State.

However, the anti-graft agency countered Bello’s claims, stating that he did not comply with the invitation and is still considered a wanted individual.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja said, “Media reports stating that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently in the EFCC holding facility are incorrect. The Commission clarifies that Bello is not in our custody.

“He is wanted for alleged money laundering involving N80.2 billion, and an active arrest warrant is in place,” the EFCC announced

Bello’s media office in a reaction maintained that “Earlier today, we reported former Governor Yahaya Bello’s voluntary visit to the EFCC to honor the Commission’s invitation.

“We emphasized his deep respect for the rule of law and the need to uphold his fundamental rights throughout the process.

“However, the EFCC did not question him, as officials indicated he could leave. The implications of this are still unclear.

“As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has departed the EFCC office, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”