ABUJA, Nigeria — Immediate Past Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello is currently in custody at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, headquarters in Abuja following his arrest in a midnight sting operation, according to sources close to the Commission.
EFCC operatives in Lokoja carried out the arrest in the early hours of Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after officials trailed the former governor.
A source familiar with the development stated that Bello, who initially claimed to have voluntarily honored an invitation from the anti-graft agency, was, in fact, apprehended in his hometown.
“Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja. He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives trailing and apprehending him at midnight,” the source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.
Earlier, a press statement from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, indicated that the former governor had voluntarily submitted himself to the EFCC.
The statement emphasized that the decision to comply with the invitation followed consultations with Bello’s family, legal team, and political allies.
“Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies,” Ohiare said in the press statement made available to the press in the early hours of Wednesday.
The statement further elaborated that Bello, who has repeatedly stressed his respect for the rule of law, sought to ensure his rights were upheld throughout the legal process.
His legal team had represented him at previous court hearings, and he was now determined to “clear his name” through direct engagement with the EFCC.
“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 statement continued.
It also highlighted Bello’s support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
In addition, the statement also praised the former governor’s office cited Bello’s tenure as one marked by anti-corruption reforms, noting that he was the first governor of Kogi State to establish mechanisms aimed at curbing graft and ensuring state resources were used for public benefit.
Despite the claims of cooperation, the details surrounding Bello’s arrest have raised questions about the circumstances of his engagement with the EFCC.
As of now, the EFCC has not officially commented on the specific allegations or the nature of the charges he may face.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, has been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics. His tenure was marked by accusations of financial mismanagement and corruption.
His arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of former state officials under the current administration’s anti-corruption drive.
The EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Below is the full statement released by former Governor Bello’s media aide.
“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.”
