The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has refuted claims that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is in its custody, despite recent media reports suggesting otherwise.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale clarified that the ex-governor is still wanted in connection with an N80.2 billion money laundering case.
Oyewale emphasized that Bello is not being detained by the commission.
“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,” Oyewale said.
He further reiterated that Bello remains a fugitive, stating, “Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
This statement stands in contrast to the account presented by Yahaya Bello’s media team.
According to a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, the former governor had complied with an invitation from the EFCC.
Michael stated that the former governor attended the EFCC meeting after “due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.”
However, the statement did not include additional specifics or any photographic evidence of Bello’s purported appearance at the anti-graft agency’s office.
The conflicting narratives leave room for speculation, as the whereabouts of the former governor, who faces serious allegations of financial misconduct, remain uncertain.
