Adebayo Adenrele
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, did not voluntarily surrender but was instead arrested and detained at its Abuja headquarters.
According to reliable sources, Bello was apprehended in a midnight sting operation.
A source familiar with the situation revealed that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honored the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja during the night.
“Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja. He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives tracking and apprehending him at midnight,” the source said.
Earlier, a press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, stated that Bello had honored the EFCC’s invitation.
Ohiare wrote, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had only sought to enforce his fundamental rights 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 honor the EFCC’s invitation to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor firmly believes 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.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to establish an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the state benefit its people.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians.
“We hope that the Commission will act professionally and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Details soon…