Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has honoured an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his media office confirmed on Wednesday.
According to a statement signed by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency comes after consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
The statement was headed “Former Governor Yahaya Bello honours EFCC’s invitation.” Bello is believed to have been taken to the EFCC offices by numerous prominent Nigerians.
The former governor has been at odds with the anti-graft agency on allegations of financial impropriety while serving as Kogi’s top citizen.
He and three others are facing 19 counts of money laundering totalling N80.2 billion.
However, the statement revealed that the former governor personally met with the EFCC to clear his reputation, claiming that he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
It stated that he had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing probe.
“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,” the statement read.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting this report.
In April, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede threatened to resign if the troubled former governor was not prosecuted.
Olukoyede vowed to see Mr. Bello’s prosecution through to its natural conclusion. He also pledged that anyone who obstructed the former governor’s arrest will face justice.
