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September 19, 2024 Yahaya Bello Still Wanted, Not in Custody — EFCC
IFMNEWS

Yahaya Bello Still Wanted, Not in Custody — EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is not in its custody despite media reports to the contrary. In a statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Bello remains wanted for alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion.

"Reports claiming that Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the EFCC's holding facility are false. The Commission states that Bello is not in custody and remains wanted, with an active warrant for his arrest," Oyewale emphasized.

This statement contradicts claims made by Bello's media office. Ohiare Michael, Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, had earlier issued a statement asserting that the former governor had honored the EFCC's invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.

Michael later reiterated that Bello had visited the EFCC but was asked to leave without interrogation. He added that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC office by his successor, Usman Ododo, the current governor of Kogi State.

"We stress the former governor’s respect for the rule of law and his pursuit of due process in ensuring his fundamental rights are upheld," Michael's statement read. "Although no interrogation took place, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has since left the EFCC office, accompanied by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo."

In April, the EFCC declared Bello wanted over allegations of financial crimes amounting to ₦80.2 billion. The anti-graft agency had previously attempted to arrest him at his residence in Wuse, Abuja, but Bello was reportedly whisked away by his successor, Ododo.

Despite several court sessions and adjournments, the former governor has yet to appear before the trial judge. Bello served as Kogi State governor from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, before handing over to Ododo, his fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) member.

READ ALSO: EFCC Attempts to Arrest Yahaya Bello at Kogi Governor’s Lodge

September 19, 2024 EFCC Attempts to Arrest Yahaya Bello at Kogi Governor’s Lodge
IFMNEWS

EFCC Attempts to Arrest Yahaya Bello at Kogi Governor’s Lodge

On Wednesday night, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in the Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory. However, the arrest attempt was met with resistance from security operatives at the lodge, leading to gunfire during the confrontation.

The area has since been cordoned off, with movements restricted to EFCC operatives and other security agencies stationed there. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has left the lodge with the current Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo. Normalcy appears to have returned following the incident.

This development adds to the series of events involving Yahaya Bello, who has been on the EFCC's wanted list for allegedly laundering ₦80.2 billion. Despite being declared wanted, a statement from Bello's media office, led by Ohiare Michael, claimed that the former governor had honored an EFCC invitation after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.

However, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale refuted this, stating that Bello was not in the commission’s custody and remains wanted for the ₦80.2 billion money laundering charges. In response, Michael released another statement, insisting that Bello had visited the EFCC office but was told to leave without interrogation. He added that Bello was accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

Bello has been charged by the EFCC on a 19-count indictment related to money laundering of ₦80 billion. Despite multiple invitations for questioning and court summons, he has consistently refused to appear. His case has been adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to September 25.

READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Honors EFCC Invitation — Media Aide

September 18, 2024 Voting APC Will Endorse Misery, Atiku Warns Edo Voters
IFMNEWS

Voting APC Will Endorse Misery, Atiku Warns Edo Voters

As the Edo State governorship election approaches, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned voters that choosing the All-Progressives Congress (APC) would mean endorsing further hardship. He urged the electorate to reflect on whether the APC has improved their lives or worsened their struggles before voting.

Atiku, in a statement titled "The Clear Choice for a Prosperous Edo State," posted on Facebook, claimed that the APC has led Nigeria into greater poverty, insecurity, and suffering. He criticized the party for raising fuel prices and ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens.

He encouraged voters to reject the APC’s “empty promises” and instead support the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who he said would build on the achievements of Governor Godwin Obaseki. According to Atiku, voting for Ighodalo would signal a rejection of the APC’s alleged self-serving governance and a commitment to a future of prosperity, dignity, and hope.

Atiku concluded by reminding the people of Edo State that they hold the power to change the direction of their state and that their vote could send a powerful message across Nigeria. He urged them to choose wisely and support Ighodalo in the upcoming election.

September 18, 2024 Yahaya Bello Honors EFCC Invitation — Media Aide
IFMNEWS

Yahaya Bello Honors EFCC Invitation — Media Aide

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after months of back-and-forth and a previous attempt by the agency to arrest him.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, it was revealed that Bello accepted the EFCC invitation "after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies."

The statement highlighted Bello's respect for the rule of law and emphasized that his actions were intended to protect his fundamental rights and ensure due process. "The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former governor to now honor the EFCC's invitation to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide or fear," the statement said.

Bello, a staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and its efforts to drive sustainable economic development, also reiterated his support for the fight against corruption in Nigeria. The statement noted that he was the first governor in Kogi State to implement an anti-corruption mechanism aimed at preventing graft and ensuring state resources were used for the benefit of the people.

According to Michael, Bello was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by several high-profile Nigerians. He expressed hope that the Commission would remain professional and respect Bello's fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen. "Details of his engagement with the EFCC operatives will be shared later," the statement concluded.

This development follows the adjournment of Bello’s alleged money laundering case by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja to September 25. The EFCC had filed a 19-count charge against Bello, accusing him of laundering ₦80 billion. Despite multiple invitations and court summons, Bello had previously declined to appear before the EFCC or attend court hearings.

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