The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to facilitate the agency’s investigation.
In a statement released to the press on Thursday, Fagbemi expressed serious concern over attempts to hinder the EFCC’s statutory duties in relation to the criminal charges against Bello.
Fagbemi remarked on the obstacles faced by the EFCC, describing them as “a matter of very grave concern” and highlighted the importance of cooperating with legal authorities.
“It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status,” he said.
He continued, “Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.”
The statement comes after a dramatic episode where Bello, facing accusations of misappropriation of funds amounting to approximately N84 billion, evaded arrest with the alleged assistance of the current Kogi Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who reportedly facilitated his escape in an official vehicle.
The AGF stressed the importance of adherence to the rule of law and the capability of Nigeria’s judiciary to protect all individuals.
