The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) has denied having the embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in its custody.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Bello is not in the custody of the anti-graft agency and remains a wanted man.
The EFCC added that the subsisting warrant of arrest for Bello over an alleged ₦80.2billion money laundering charges remains in place.
“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said.
The position of the anti-graft agency differs from an earlier statement from Bello’s media office, which claims the former Governor honoured the EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies, asserting that he has “nothing to hide.”
This development comes after a history of resistance from Bello, who had previously evaded multiple EFCC invitations and faced a dramatic scene at his Abuja residence.
The EFCC had even obtained a warrant for his arrest, but intervention from his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, had staved off immediate action.
Bello currently faces a 19-count alleged money laundering charge, with his trial adjourned until September 25.
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