Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently being held at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, following a dramatic midnight sting operation.
According to inside sources at the EFCC, Bello, who initially claimed he voluntarily honoured the Commission’s invitation, was tracked down and arrested by operatives in Lokoja during the late hours of the night.
“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,” an anonymous source disclosed, according to a Vanguard report.
This arrest contrasts with an earlier statement from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, which said that Bello had willingly responded to the EFCC’s invitation.
“Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” Ohiare stated.
He continued, “This decision was made after due 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, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights 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.”
The statement further emphasized Bello’s anti-corruption stance during his time in office, noting that he was the first Kogi governor to implement mechanisms to curb graft and ensure state resources benefited the people.
Bello was reportedly accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by several prominent figures. His media team also expressed hope that the EFCC would handle his case with professionalism and respect his fundamental rights.
Further details on his arrest and engagement with the EFCC operatives are expected to emerge soon.
