Yahaya Bello , left, EFCC operatrives

Richard Elesho

After what seems like an endless haunt for a suspect by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, this Wednesday walked into the Headquarters of the anti-graft agency. He was accompanied by an assembly of associates.

Bello and the EFCC have been in a hide and seek game over his handling of finances of the Confluence State during his eight-year tenure as governor. After he repeatedly shunned its entreaties, the agency filed an N80.4 billion suit against the former governor in absentia, while Bello went to court to stop his arrest and arraignment.

An attempt to arrest him from his  Benghazi Maitama, Abuja home was not successful. The commission at different times declared him at large and ordered his arrest anywhere he was sighted. The case is ongoing before Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court, who had issued a bench warrant against the former governor.

In a statement announcing his visit to the EFCC, Bello’s media office said he was accompanied by high-profile individuals.

“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 in order 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, insisting he has nothing to hide or 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.

“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.”