Adebayo Adenrele
A source within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed why the Commission rejected the approach former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello used to honour their invitation.
The source, who craved anonymity, stated that Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters in a convoy, accompanied by dignitaries, which, according to him, breached the Commission’s protocol.
The source explained that the former governor would be treated like any other individual undergoing investigation, regardless of their status.
The source said, “Upon realizing that Bello arrived with a sitting governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him.
“His manner of arriving at the EFCC was a violation of our protocol. No Nigerian, regardless of their position, is expected to respond to an invitation with a convoy of vehicles and in the company of a sitting governor.
“To the EFCC, his grand entrance was contrary to our procedures.
“There are stages of documentation that Bello skipped because he was accompanied by the governor, who has immunity.
“The EFCC did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for him accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?
“We have also been uncomfortable with the governor’s involvement in this case.
“After completing the required documentation, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
“We cannot be intimidated or allow our system to be influenced by political interference.
“This is why the Executive Chairman of the EFCC directed that no official should attend to Bello. He must follow due process like every other invitee.
“The Commission was also displeased with the pre-emptive propaganda by Bello’s team in the media, which created false impressions.
“There were reports suggesting that the ex-governor was already in the custody of the EFCC”.