Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has finally agreed to attend a hearing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This development follows an Abuja Court of Appeal ruling on August 20, which mandated Bello to submit himself for EFCC arraignment.
The EFCC had earlier issued an arrest warrant for Bello after he repeatedly failed to comply with court orders.
Bello, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is currently facing a multitude of charges, including 19 counts, which include allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion, as alleged by the EFCC.
According to a statement released by his media office on Wednesday, Bello’s decision to respond to the EFCC’s summons came after discussions with his family, legal team, and political associates.
The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted in April after he ignored multiple invitations and resisted arrest attempts.
Ohiare Michael, Director of Media at Yahaya Bello’s office, issued a statement to the press explaining that Bello voluntarily submitted to the anti-graft agency.
The statement highlighted that the former Kogi governor has a profound respect for the rule of law and is committed to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to combat corruption in the country.
The statement reads in part, “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 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.”