The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says ex-Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, finally agreed to appear before it after consultations with his family, legal team and political associates.
The anti-graft agency also refuted viral media reports that the politician is in its custody.
The Commission made this known in a Statement signed by its Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
A statement signed by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, states that Bello’s decision to appear before the anti-graft agency comes after consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.
The statement was titled “Former Governor Yahaya Bello honours EFCC’s invitation.”
Bello was said to have been accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians, including his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
The former governor has been in a running battle with the anti-graft agency over alleged financial impropriety while he was the number one citizen of Kogi.
He and three others are facing 19 counts related to money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.
However, the statement disclosed that the former governor personally engaged with the EFCC to clear his name, stating he has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
It said that he had previously pursued the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process in the ongoing investigation.
“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.
Bello was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency over alleged financial impropriety while he was in office.
The EFCC is prosecuting him alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19 counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of N8.2bn.
