BREAKING: Ex-Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello bows to pressure, honours EFCC invitation

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his media office confirmed on Wednesday.

According to a statement by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, the decision followed consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.

The statement, titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello Honours EFCC’s Invitation,” indicated that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians.

Bello has been entangled in a prolonged dispute with the anti-graft agency over alleged financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kogi State.

He and three others are facing 19 counts related to money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.

However, the statement disclosed that the former governor personally engaged with the EFCC to clear his name, stating he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”

It said that he had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing investigation.

“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 read.

The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

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.