Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over money laundering allegations against him.
This decision came after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies, according to a statement from his media office on Wednesday.
Recall that the EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted after a series of drama, including evading arrest.
His legal team has represented him in court throughout the ongoing case. However, he has now chosen to appear before the EFCC to clear his name, stating he has nothing to hide or fear.
Bello had previously sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights, asking the court to stop the anti-graft agency from arresting and prosecuting him.
In the statement by his media office, Bello reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly its efforts to combat corruption and steer Nigeria towards sustainable economic development.
His media office expressed hope that the commission would conduct its investigation professionally and respect the former governor’s fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen.
Read the full statement below.
FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
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 in order 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.
It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.
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