Confusion, as EFCC denies Yahaya Bello's arrest

Contradictory reports have emerged regarding the status of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) denying his arrest.

Earlier reports suggested that Bello was arrested in a midnight sting operation by EFCC operatives in Lokoja and was being held at the commission's headquarters in Abuja.

A source familiar with the development stated that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission's invitation, was actually trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight.

However, the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, has issued a statement denying Bello's arrest, stating that he remains wanted for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges.

Oyewale said, "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 Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,"

Also, Bello's media office had earlier released a statement claiming that he had voluntarily honored the EFCC's invitation.

The press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, read, "Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honored 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 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 honor 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."