Former Kogi State Governor Denies Fugitive Allegations Amid EFCC Probe

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has refuted claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he is a fugitive, asserting that he has not been invited for questioning by the anti-graft agency. Bello’s media officer, Ohiare Michael, conveyed the former governor’s response, emphasizing the lack of an official invitation from the EFCC.

Bello’s team challenges the EFCC to provide documentation of the alleged invitation sent to him post his tenure. They demand transparency regarding the delivery date and recipient of the purported invitation. The statement highlights Bello’s willingness to cooperate with due process and underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law.

The EFCC recently accused Bello of being involved in the embezzlement of N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government. Following this accusation, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at his residence in Abuja on April 17. The situation escalated when the Governor of Kogi, Usman Ododo, intervened, leading to a series of legal actions.

Amidst the commotion, the Kogi High Court issued a restraining order against the EFCC, prohibiting any harassment or threats of arrest towards Bello. Simultaneously, the EFCC obtained a warrant for Bello’s arrest from the Federal High Court in Abuja, further complicating the legal showdown between the former governor and the anti-corruption agency.

As the standoff continues, Bello’s whereabouts remain unknown, prompting the EFCC to place him on a watchlist and declare him wanted, intensifying the ongoing investigation and legal scrutiny surrounding the former Kogi State Governor.