Yahaya Bello Remains Wanted, Not With Us – EFCC

Oluwatobi OdeyinkaSeptember 18, 20241 Mins read88

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied having Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State in its custody nor receiving him today, as earlier reported.

Earlier, the former governor’s media office reported that he “honoured” the anti-graft agency’s invitation. Bello has been on the run for months over alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

He was declared wanted by the EFCC in April after he repeatedly shunned invitations and resisted attempts to arrest him with the help of his successor.

Reacting to the report that Bello had presented himself to the EFCC, the agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the former governor was not in the EFCC facility and remains wanted.

In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Oyewale said: “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 N80.2 billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

It will be recalled how security operatives comprising the EFCC, the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed his Abuja residence to arrest him, but Governor Usman Ododo whisked him away.

Bello reportedly paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children to the American International School of Abuja from the coffers of the Kogi State Government. The school offered to refund the money after it was made public.

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