Former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, has turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The former Governor was
declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged fraud and corrupt enrichment while in
office.
A statement released today
September 18 by the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said
the decision to turn himself in was made after due consultations with family,
legal team and political allies.
“The former Governor, who has great respect
for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought
the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process. The
case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello
had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important
for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his
name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
The former Governor believes
firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to
place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the
fight against corruption in the country.
It is on record that he was the
first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to
check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of
the State.
He was accompanied to the EFCC
Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
It is our hope that the
Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental
rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Details of his engagement with
the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”
It would be recalled that Bello
was sued by the EFCC on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering to the
tune of N80bn. However, Bello has consistently refused to honour EFCC’s
invitations for questioning, and has consistently boycotted court trials.
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