The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is in its custody.
This clarification came on Wednesday after the former governor’s media office issued a statement claiming he had voluntarily surrendered himself to the EFCC and was being held at their facility. The statement also mentioned that Bello was accompanied by prominent figures, expressing hope that the agency would respect his fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen.
However, in a response provided to The Whistler, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, contradicted these reports. “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,” Oyewale clarified.
He further emphasized that Yahaya Bello, who has been declared wanted in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case, remains at large, with a warrant still active for his arrest.