- Bello’s media office argued on Tuesday that its principal is not afraid of the agency.
- The office also dared the anti-graft commission to show prove publicly that it sent any invitation the former governor.
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state, has denied being a fugitive.
Contrary to claims, Bello said he had never been invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The former governor claimed that the EFCC had declared him wanted without requesting him to be questioned.
He spoke through his media officer Ohiare Michael, challenging the EFCC to publish its proof of the invitation that was sent to him after he left office.
“Let it be known to all that Alhaji Yahaya Bello is not afraid of the EFCC, he is not a fugitive running from the law. All he demands is that the rule of law be respected,” a statement by Michael reads partly.
“The EFCC stated that they invited Alhaji Yahaya Bello immediately after his tenure ended on the 27th of January 2024. We challenge the EFCC to publish a copy of the invitation delivered to Yahaya Bello.
“They should also tell Nigerians the date the alleged invitation was delivered and who it was delivered to. We are certain that the EFCC will not be able to produce any of the foregoing as to date, they have yet to invite Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“Indeed, just about the end of his administration, several online news sites published that the EFCC would arrest the Governor as soon as he handed over power to his successor as they intended to charge him for alleged crimes committed as Governor of Kogi State.”
Bello was charged by the EFCC of involving in the N80.2 billion money laundering belonging to the Kogi state government.
In an attempt to apprehend Bello, EFCC agents besieged his Abuja home on April 17.
Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo arrived at the scene while the operatives were still at Bello’s home.
The EFCC agents ended their siege shortly after Ododo exited the house.
It was thought that Ododo had rescued Bello from his home.
Amid the drama, the Kogi High Court issued a restraining order to the commission from “harassing, threatening to arrest or detaining” Bello.
On the same day, the EFCC obtained a warrant of arrest against Bello from a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Subsequently, Bello’s whereabouts became unknown, hence he was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency and placed on a watchlist.