The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has justified its decision not to attend to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, during his visit to the commission’s headquarters last week.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the anti-corruption agency stated that Bello’s actions appeared to be aimed at garnering public sympathy and evading legal processes.
According to the EFCC, Bello’s appearance at its headquarters, accompanied by a large entourage that included a sitting governor, was a deliberate attempt to disrupt due process.
The commission clarified that this spectacle led to the decision to deny him an audience.
“To date, Bello is yet to take his plea in the alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges brought against him before Justice Nwite,” the EFCC stated.
“His arrival at the commission’s headquarters, accompanied by a retinue of security personnel and a sitting governor, alongside an orchestrated media blitz, was part of several attempts to evade justice.”
The EFCC expressed its resolve to ensure that Bello faces trial, noting that he had been avoiding court appearances for several months despite numerous efforts to bring him to justice.
“Yahaya Bello should be more concerned with clearing his name in court rather than playing the victim or alleging persecution,” the commission added.
The statement also addressed claims from Bello’s media team, who insisted that the former governor had voluntarily visited the EFCC in response to an invitation. However, the agency countered this, asserting that Bello remains wanted and has not formally submitted to the legal process.
“The appropriate place of surrender is before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where his legal team had earlier promised to produce him,” the EFCC emphasized.
The commission also dismissed as “preposterous” any claims that there were attempts on Bello’s life due to EFCC efforts to apprehend him. “This is no more than scaremongering intended to scandalize the commission,” the statement read.
Despite the ongoing drama, the EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the law runs its course. “The antics of the former governor will not deter us. The public can be assured that Yahaya Bello will have his day in court,” the statement concluded.
This development follows weeks of controversy surrounding Bello’s status with the anti-graft body. While his team has maintained that he is cooperating with authorities, the EFCC has labeled him as a fugitive for repeatedly failing to attend court hearings.
