A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his media office confirmed on Wednesday. This follows ongoing investigations into alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as governor, which led to charges of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
In a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor’s decision to cooperate with the anti-graft agency came after consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates. The statement, titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello Honours EFCC’s Invitation,” stressed Bello’s commitment to resolving the allegations and clearing his name.
Accompanied by several high-profile Nigerians, Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja to engage with the agency’s officials. The former governor has been in a long-standing legal battle with the EFCC over allegations of financial misconduct while serving as the chief executive of Kogi State. Along with three other defendants, Bello faces 19 counts of money laundering and financial mismanagement.
Despite the gravity of the charges, the statement emphasized that Yahaya Bello is cooperating fully with the investigation, expressing confidence in his eventual exoneration. “The former governor has nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” the statement read, noting that Bello has actively engaged with legal proceedings and sought enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process throughout the investigation.
“The case is currently before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former governor to now personally engage with the EFCC to clear his name, as he remains confident of his innocence,” the statement continued.
Yahaya Bello, a staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, reiterated his backing for the government’s anti-corruption agenda. The statement expressed his firm belief in the president’s efforts to place Nigeria on the path to sustainable economic development and his support for the fight against corruption.
This latest development follows an earlier statement by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who, in April, vowed to resign if the embattled former governor is not prosecuted. Olukoyede promised to ensure that Bello’s case reaches a logical conclusion and swore that any individuals who obstructed the EFCC’s efforts to bring Bello to justice would also be held accountable.
