Confusion over Yahaya Bello as Media office releases photo to counter EFCC

Confusion over Yahaya Bello as Media office releases photo to counter EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the media team of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has issued conflicting statements regarding Bello’s visit to the agency’s office.

Bello’s media office stated that he attended the EFCC’s invitation after discussions with his family, legal advisors, and political associates.

They mentioned that further details about his engagement with EFCC operatives would be provided later.

The statement signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, said: “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.”

Meanwhile, EFCC on the other hand, via a statement by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, debunked the claims, disclosing that the former governor is not in its custody.

The anti-graft agency added that Bello remains wanted for alleged N80.2bn money laundering charges.

Oyewale’s statement reads: “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect.

“The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.

However, while responding. Bello’s the media team released images of him arriving at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, alongside his successor, the present Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo.

A statement by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, further provided updates, saying, “EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office”.