According to the media office of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, both he and his successor, Usman Ododo, visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. However, the EFCC has denied having Bello in custody, contradicting earlier reports suggesting that he was detained.
In a statement released by Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, the Commission clarified that Yahaya Bello remains wanted for alleged involvement in a ₦80.2 billion money laundering case. Oyewale emphasized, “Reports claiming that Mr. Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, is in the custody of the EFCC are inaccurate. The Commission asserts that Bello is not in our holding facility. He is still wanted, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest regarding money laundering charges.”
This statement from the EFCC directly contradicts a release from the Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael. Michael claimed that the former governor had responded to the EFCC’s invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political associates. Michael confirmed that Bello attended the EFCC office in Abuja, accompanied by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.
In a follow-up statement, Michael maintained that Bello did indeed visit the EFCC office but was not interrogated by officials. He noted that EFCC personnel allowed Bello to leave without questioning him. “The former Governor, accompanied by his successor, respected the rule of law and only sought to protect his fundamental rights by ensuring due process was followed,” Michael stated. He added, “As of now, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office without being interrogated.”
Earlier in April 2024, the EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted in connection with alleged financial mismanagement amounting to ₦80.2 billion. The case has since been in court, but the former governor has yet to appear before a judge, despite multiple adjournments. During one attempt to arrest Bello at his residence in Wuse, Abuja, EFCC operatives were thwarted when his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, allegedly helped him evade arrest.
Bello served as Governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, until January 27, 2024, when he handed over power to Ododo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite leaving office, the charges against Bello remain unresolved, and the EFCC continues to pursue legal action against him.
