The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has criticized former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for his recent visit to the commission’s office, claiming it was a calculated move rather than a genuine attempt to surrender himself.
Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, made this statement during an appearance on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show” on Thursday. Uwujaren highlighted that Bello had an opportunity to appear in court on Wednesday before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where his ongoing money laundering case was adjourned to October 30, 2024, for a ruling.
Uwujaren remarked, “That is enough to convince Nigerians that his presence at the EFCC on September 18 was more of a show, rather than a serious attempt to comply with the rule of law. When EFCC officials went to the Kogi Governor’s Lodge to ask him to return, he could have done so if he had no issue with presenting himself.”
He further stated that Bello had already informed the media of his visit before he even arrived at the EFCC, creating the false impression that he had been detained. “That alone showed us that he had a gameplan, which only he can explain,” Uwujaren added.
Bello’s media office had released a statement claiming that the former governor had honored an invitation from the EFCC, months after being declared wanted. Pictures of Bello with current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, at the EFCC car park quickly circulated on social media.
However, the EFCC denied that Bello was in their custody, clarifying through spokesperson Dele Oyewale that Bello remains wanted, with an active arrest warrant. Later that night, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja.
Uwujaren emphasized that if Bello had intended to comply with the law, he should have immediately presented himself to the security personnel at the EFCC premises upon arrival. Bello is facing 19 charges related to money laundering offenses amounting to over N80 billion, alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu.
