A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has confirmed his appearance before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following an official invitation. This decision comes after thorough discussions with his family, legal counsel, and political associates.
In a statement released by his media office, the former governor’s visit to the EFCC headquarters was notable, as he was joined by several prominent Nigerians.
Bello has been in an ongoing dispute with the EFCC regarding allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as governor. He faces 19 charges linked to money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion alongside three other individuals.
Despite these serious allegations, Bello stated his intention to engage with the EFCC transparently, asserting that he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.” He emphasized his commitment to uphold his rights and ensure a proper investigation process.
The statement highlighted that his legal team has consistently represented him in court proceedings. It further noted that the former governor is determined to cooperate with the EFCC to affirm his innocence, indicating his alignment with the current administration’s efforts to combat corruption and promote economic sustainability in Nigeria.
As of this report, there has been no response from the EFCC’s spokesperson regarding the situation.
In a related context, the EFCC Chairman had previously stated his resolve to see the prosecution of Bello through to its conclusion, assuring that those who hindered the arrest process would also face consequences.