Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has reportedly visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an N80.2 billion fraud case filed against him.
This was revealed in a statement by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
It was earlier noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to halt the fraud case, following multiple hearings where Bello was absent due to legal objections raised by his team. Bello and others are accused of conspiring in February 2016 to convert N80,246,470,088.88, allegedly acquired through criminal breach of trust, violating Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.
Bello has denied the charges.
The EFCC had secured an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja due to his repeated absence. Although Bello’s legal team appealed, the court ruled that the trial must proceed in line with the law. Meanwhile, the Appeal Court had stayed proceedings in related suits filed by Bello at the Kogi State High Court, ordering him to stand trial at the Abuja High Court.
According to Ohiare Michael, Bello decided to visit the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political associates.
“The former governor, who holds great respect for the rule of law, has consistently sought to enforce his fundamental rights and ensure due process,” Michael said.
He emphasized that the case has been in court, and Bello has been represented by his legal team at each hearing.
“It is crucial for the former governor to now respond to the EFCC’s invitation to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
Michael further stated that Bello fully supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to drive Nigeria toward sustainable economic growth and fight corruption. He noted that Bello was the first Kogi State governor to implement anti-corruption measures to safeguard the state’s resources for the people.
Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by prominent Nigerians, and Michael expressed optimism that the commission would act with professionalism and respect the former governor’s rights.