The Yahaya Bello Media Office on Wednesday called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing standoff between the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello is currently wanted by the anti-corruption agency for alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion.
While the EFCC has urged Bello to comply with a court order and appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the former governor has accused the commission of attempting to humiliate him.
In a statement issued by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, the EFCC’s actions were described as having ulterior motives under the guise of fighting corruption. Michael called on President Tinubu to launch a thorough investigation into the matter to uncover the true intentions behind the EFCC’s pursuit of Bello.
“We call on Mr. President to please order a thorough investigation into the EFCC–former Governor Yahaya Bello face-off, since inception, with a view to unravelling the real motives of the persecutors,” the statement read.
Michael also thanked the Kogi State House of Assembly and Nigerians who have expressed support for the former governor, asserting that there is more to the EFCC’s actions than meets the eye.
The media office emphasized that Bello remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. Michael further alleged, without presenting evidence, that the charges against the former governor were fabricated.
“The EFCC must remind itself that former Governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent of the trumped-up charges against him until proven guilty by a competent court of jurisdiction,” Michael stated.
He also questioned the EFCC’s handling of the case, recalling that despite declaring Bello wanted, the agency allowed him to leave after he voluntarily presented himself at their office.
“What is most troubling is that officials of the EFCC stated that the former governor could not be interrogated or detained because he arrived with a sitting governor. They then attempted a forceful arrest at the governor’s official lodge, even though Bello had been at their office for over four hours,” the statement concluded.
