Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, has again, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello had on September 18, 2024 honoured the EFCC’s invitation but the commission did not attend to him.
It was further gathered that Bello went to the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja with his lawyers on Tuesday morning after necessary consultations.
A statement by the Director of his Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said Bello’s decision was sequel to due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
The statement also said details of his engagement with the operatives of the anti-graft agency would be disclosed later.
The statement reads in part: “The former Governor, who 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.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya 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.
“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.
“He 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.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”
Bello’s decision to honour the EFCC’s invitation might not be unconnected with the recent judgment of Supreme Court which dismissed state governments case on the legality of the foremost anti-graft agency.
The former Kogi Governor reportedly drove himself in a black Hilux to the EFCC office with his lawyers.
At the last adjourned date on November 14, the EFCC had sought for adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello, saying that the 30 days window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
Concerted efforts to confirm the development from the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive at the press time.
But a top official with the anti-graft agency confirmed the presence of Bello in the commission. He however declined to give details.
