N80.2bn fraud: Yahaya Bello surrenders to EFCC

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has surrendered himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after several failed attempts to arrest him.

Bello is facing prosecution by the EFCC alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.

The former governor had consistently refused to take a plea before the court despite several attempts made by the EFCC to this effect and arrest him by the anti-graft agency.

However, the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, in a statement on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, said the former governor honoured EFCC’s invitation by making himself available at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja.

Michael noted that the decision was made after due consultations with Bello’s family, legal team, and political allies, adding that Bello has nothing to hide.

He 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. 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.

Appeal Court orders Yahaya Bello to appear for arraignment

“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.”

The Star