Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has voluntarily honored an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amid allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure. In a statement released by his media office on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency came after thorough consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates. The statement, signed by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, emphasized that Bello is determined to address the allegations against him.
Bello, along with three others, is facing 19 charges related to money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion. Despite the gravity of the accusations, the former governor, who was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several prominent Nigerians, reiterated that he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.” The statement highlighted his commitment to clearing his name and engaging fully with the EFCC to ensure transparency.
According to the statement, Bello has previously sought to protect his fundamental rights by ensuring that due process is followed in the ongoing investigation. “The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has 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 statement read.
The former governor also expressed his firm belief in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to drive Nigeria toward sustainable economic development and his support for the administration’s anti-corruption initiatives.
In April, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede vowed to ensure that the case against Bello is pursued to its logical conclusion and threatened to resign if the former governor is not prosecuted. The EFCC had previously faced challenges in arresting Bello, with Olukoyede also promising that anyone obstructing the process would be held accountable.
