EFCC Announces Yahaya Bello Status, Declares Him Wanted

Dele Oyewale, a spokesman for the EFCC, stated in a statement on Wednesday that the former governor is still wanted “for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges.”

“It is untrue that Mr. Yahaya Bello, a former governor of Kogi State, is being held captive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as reported by the media today.

Bello is not in the Commission’s custody, the Commission would like to clarify. “Bello is still wanted with an active arrest warrant for him, having already been declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges,” Oyewale stated.

The anti-graft group’s perspective runs counter to Bello’s Media Office’s assertion that the former governor accepted the EFCC’s invitation.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor accepted the EFCC invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.”

Michael insisted in a later statement that Bello accepted the anti-graft agency’s invitation but was ordered to depart by officials without being questioned. He claims that Usman Ododo, the former governor’s replacement, escorted him to the EFCC office.

References and Citation

channelstv.com – Yahaya Bello Remains Wanted, Not In Our Custody — EFCC

punchng.com – Yahaya Bello not in EFCC custody — Spokesman

dailypost.com – Yahaya Bello wanted, not in our custody – EFCC

thenationonlineng.net – Yahaya Bello not in EFCC custody — Spokesman