BREAKING: Yahaya Bello surrenders to EFCC amid N80bn laundering charges

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has officially honored an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued by the Yahaya Bello Media Office, signed by the Director, Ohiare Michael, it was revealed that the former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja accompanied by high-profile Nigerians.

The statement, dated September 18, 2024, titled “FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION,” was made available to Vanguard.

Bello is being prosecuted by the EFCC alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19 counts of money laundering, involving a sum of N80,246,470,089.88. Back in April 2024, the charges were served through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN), after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the service following Bello’s repeated absence in court.

In the statement, Bello reiterated his respect for the rule of law and the importance of following due process, explaining his decision to honor the EFCC’s invitation after consultations with his family, legal team, and political associates.

The statement reads in part:

“Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. This decision followed consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.

“The former governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had consistently sought to enforce his fundamental rights to ensure due process was followed. His legal team had represented him at every hearing in the ongoing case before the court.

“Yahaya Bello has nothing to hide and believes in clearing his name. He remains committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in its efforts to drive sustainable economic development and combat corruption.

“It is on record that Yahaya Bello was the first governor of Kogi State to establish an anti-corruption mechanism to ensure accountability. He was accompanied by prominent Nigerians to the EFCC Headquarters, and we trust the Commission will uphold his fundamental rights during the process.

“Details of his interaction with the EFCC operatives will be disclosed later.”

Bello’s compliance with the EFCC’s invitation is seen as a significant step in addressing the allegations against him.