N80.2 billion probe: Former Governor Yahaya Bello, EFCC in hide and seek

One Hundred and fifty-three days after he was declared wanted, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello yesterday turned up at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, ready for questioning over an alleged mismanagement of N80.2billion.

The EFCC, however, rejected the method by which he reported to the commission, reports The Nation.

Bello came in the company of his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and some dignitaries, which the agency said violated its invitation protocol.

Despite Bello’s presence, EFCC did not attend to him.

The EFCC insisted that Bello was still wanted and not in its custody.

Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said Bello reported to EFCC to show his “great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority”.

Bello defied early morning rains to report to the EFCC.

However, no official was available to attend to him because he came in a convoy with the governor.

It was learnt that EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede rejected the method of reporting to the commission.

“His manner of coming to EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.

“To the EFCC, he came with grandeur which is contrary to our procedures.

“There are stages of documentation which Bello skipped because he was with the governor who has immunity.

“The EFCC also did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?

“We have not been comfortable with the roles of the governor in this case.

“After fulfilling all procedures of documentation, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

“We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution.

“This made the Executive Chairman of EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello. He must undergo due process like every invitee.

“The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bello’s team which had created false impressions.

“There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCC’s custody.”

Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said in a statement: “Media reports today that Bello is in the holding facility of the 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.”

A top source added: “As long as Bello does not conform with our protocol, our operatives will arrest him. We are still looking for him.”

In two statements, Michael clarified that Bello voluntarily reported to the EFCC.

It said he decided to honour EFCC’s invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.”

It said Bello deferred to EFCC in line with his “great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority”.

“All the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process,” the first statement said.

In a follow-up statement, the Media Office said the commission did not question Bello when he reported.

“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet.

“As we write, Bello has left the EFCC office.

“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alh. Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.

“The former governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”

Michael later alleged that EFCC operatives laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro last night in an attempt to arrest Bello. He claimed they were shooting “sporadically”.

“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him…

“This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption.

“This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption.”

This claim, however, could not be independently verified.