Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is still wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and is not in their custody.
The EFCC made this clarification in a statement signed Wednesday by Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
“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,” the statement read.
Bello is facing charges of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion, alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu.
The EFCC had declared him wanted on April 18, 2024, after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
Despite his absence, the trial has continued, with the prosecution presenting witnesses and evidence. The EFCC has reaffirmed that Bello’s status remains unchanged until his arrest, emphasising that his apprehension is a shared responsibility among Nigeria’s security agencies.
The EFCC has called on all security agencies to assist in apprehending Bello, stressing that his arrest is crucial for the continuation of his trial.
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