N80.2bn Fraud: EFCC Denies Holding Yahaya Bello In Custody, Says He Remains Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is in its custody.

Contrary to reports from Bello’s media office, the EFCC has clarified that the ex-governor remains wanted in connection with an N80.2 billion money laundering case.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission addressed the circulating misinformation. The statement read, “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, are incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.”

Bello, who was declared wanted earlier for his alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme, is still at large, according to the commission. “Bello remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale added.

Bello’s Media Office Contradicts EFCC

The clarification by the EFCC came after Yahaya Bello’s media office claimed that the former governor had voluntarily surrendered himself to the commission. In a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, Bello’s spokesperson, it was reported that the former governor had visited the EFCC’s office to honour their invitation and was allowed to leave shortly after.

The statement from Bello’s team read, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation. The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave.”

The media office emphasized Bello’s respect for the rule of law and his desire to ensure that due process is followed in the investigation. However, they did not provide further clarification on the nature of his departure from the EFCC premises.

“We don’t know what this means yet,” the statement continued. “As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.”

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EFCC Continues Pursuit of Yahaya Bello

Despite the conflicting reports, the EFCC has maintained its position that Yahaya Bello remains wanted. The commission insists that there is a valid warrant out for his arrest concerning the alleged N80.2 billion money laundering case. This has been one of the most high-profile financial crimes under investigation by the EFCC, with the former governor at the center of the allegations.

Dele Oyewale’s statement further emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Bello and the need for him to answer the allegations in court. “The Commission is committed to ensuring that justice is served in cases of financial crimes,” Oyewale said.

The Road Ahead for Bello and the EFCC

The confusion surrounding Yahaya Bello’s status with them has raised many questions. While his media team claims that he has been cooperating with authorities, the EFCC’s insistence that he remains wanted suggests that there is more to the story.

Observers are closely watching how this case unfolds, especially considering the scale of the allegations. With the EFCC continuing its pursuit of Bello, it remains to be seen when and how he will face the charges against him. For now, the former governor remains a wanted man, and they are urging the public to disregard reports of his voluntary surrender.

“The EFCC will provide updates as the investigation progresses,” the commission assured the public in its statement.