Newsbreak: Former Kogi Gov, Yahaya Bello visits EFCC office, may be detained
By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
After months of hide-and-seek game, former Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello on Wednesday honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC). As at press time it was not clear if Bello had been taken into custody by the anti graft agency. A source said the EFCC might detain him.
His media office in a release made available to Irohinoodua signed by Ohiare Micheal said the decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
our correspondent however was informed that the EFCC had put a lot of measures in place to squeeze the former Governor into submission. Such efforts, Irohinoodua heard, involved sanctions on some of his business and financial outlets.
His media aide said the former Governor has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
Ohiare said the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and that 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.”
He said it is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State. But long before Kogi, Kano State had established anti-graft agency.
On Wednesday, Bello was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said