By Milcah Tanimu
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently in custody at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. EFCC operatives arrested Bello during a midnight sting operation in Lokoja.
Sources at the EFCC headquarters confirm that Bello, who initially claimed to have voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation, was actually trailed and apprehended by operatives. “Former Governor Yahaya Bello is now at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja after his midnight arrest in Lokoja,” the source said.
Earlier, Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, stated that Bello had honored the EFCC’s invitation. Ohiare explained, “Former Governor Yahaya Bello decided to comply with the EFCC’s invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies. He respects the rule of law and seeks to clear his name.”
Ohiare further stated that Bello’s legal team had represented him at every court hearing and stressed his commitment to the fight against corruption. He added, “Bello supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to place Nigeria on a path of sustainable economic development. He was the first Kogi State Governor to implement an anti-corruption mechanism.”
Bello’s team has requested a new court date, citing Thursday as inconvenient. The former governor was accompanied by high-profile Nigerians to the EFCC headquarters. The Media Office hopes the EFCC will maintain professionalism and respect Bello’s rights during this process.
