Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, appeared at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters yesterday, 153 days after being declared wanted. He was invited for questioning over the alleged mismanagement of N80.2 billion. However, the EFCC rejected the manner in which he presented himself for questioning.
Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters accompanied by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and a group of dignitaries—a move that the EFCC deemed a violation of its protocol. Despite his appearance, the anti-graft agency refused to attend to Bello, maintaining that he is still officially “wanted” and has not yet been taken into custody.
Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, stated that Bello’s appearance at the EFCC was a demonstration of his “great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority.” According to Michael, the former governor braved early morning rains to present himself to the agency.
However, a source within the EFCC disclosed that Chairman Ola Olukoyede instructed officials not to attend to Bello due to his arrival with a convoy and a sitting governor, which the EFCC viewed as a breach of protocol.
“Bello’s method of reporting, accompanied by the governor and other dignitaries, was contrary to the EFCC’s procedures,” the source said. “No Nigerian, regardless of status, is permitted to arrive for an EFCC invitation with a convoy of vehicles and a sitting governor, especially one with immunity from prosecution.”
The source further explained that Bello bypassed certain documentation processes due to the presence of the governor. “Bello was expected to come with his legal team, not a politically exposed person like a sitting governor. The EFCC had not invited the governor, and his presence raised concerns,” the insider added.
The EFCC expressed displeasure with what it described as “pre-emptive propaganda” by Bello’s team, which had circulated false claims that the former governor was already in EFCC custody. Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, clarified in a statement: “Bello is not in the holding facility of the EFCC. He remains wanted by the commission on allegations of N80.2 billion in money laundering.”
The commission emphasized that Bello must follow proper procedures and report in line with standard protocols. “As long as he fails to comply with our procedures, we will pursue his arrest,” a top EFCC official stated.
Meanwhile, Michael, in a series of statements, reiterated that Bello had voluntarily reported to the EFCC following consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies. He also criticized the EFCC for not questioning Bello when he presented himself.
In a subsequent statement, Michael accused EFCC operatives of laying siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro, allegedly attempting to arrest Bello and firing sporadically. He condemned the action, claiming it reflected the EFCC’s focus on political battles rather than its mandate to fight corruption. However, this claim could not be independently verified.
