Yahaya Bello negotiates safety, honours EFCC invitation

Yahaya Bello negotiates safety, then, honours EFCC invitation for interrogation over allegation of financial fraud.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, on Wednesday, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial fraud.

The Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, Kogi State, disclsoed that Yahaya Bello made the decision to honour EFCC’s invitation after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

However, a reliable source from Kogi State, speaking to National Daily Newspaper, on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Yahaya Bello, while in self-isolation, had negotiations with the federal government on the case, with the support of the Northern oligarchy.

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Our source disclosed that Yahaya Bello plays very crucial role in the Northern Youth Council and strongly integrated into the forum of northern leaders.

Our source was of the view that the safety of the former Kogi governor has been negotiated and that nothing will happen to him.

According to him, the EFCC will just do the normal interrogation, then trial, then, Bello would be granted bail and regain his freedom.

Before Bello honours EFCC invitation, the EFCC had earlier declared Yahaya Bello wanted after the episode in Illorin over his arrest.

Bello  visits EFCC, earlier declared wanted

Meanwhile, the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, in the statement, indicated that Bello has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.

According to him, “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 honour 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.”

Noting that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians, the Director said “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.”