Yahaya Bello has honoured EFCC invitation, says his media office

The media office of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ohiare Michael, director of Bello’s media office, said Bello “today, honoured the invitation” of the anti-graft agency.

Michael said Bello made the decision “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.

The EFCC had charged the former governor with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

The commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts to arrest him proved unsuccessful.

On August 20, the court of appeal in Abuja ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment.

Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, had said the court’s ruling was a “vindication” of the EFCC’s stance that Bello must face trial.

Bello’s media office said 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

The media office added that details of Bello’s engagement with EFCC operatives will be disclosed later.