Yahaya Bello finally honours EFCC invitation

 Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has finally honored the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after initial resistance . This comes after a dramatic scene unfolded in April when EFCC officials attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, but were thwarted by Governor Usman Ododo, Bello's successor .

This development comes after Bello initially resisted arrest, with the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, intervening to spirit him away .

Bello's media office emphasized his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and its fight against corruption, highlighting his establishment of an anti-corruption mechanism during his tenure as Governor . Accompanied by high-profile Nigerians, Bello reported to the EFCC Headquarters, with his team expressing hope for a professional and respectful treatment of his fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen.

Bello's decision to cooperate with the EFCC follows consultations with his family, legal team, and allies . The EFCC had declared Bello wanted in April after he shunned multiple invitations and resisted arrest . He is being prosecuted alongside his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470,089.88 .

The former governor of Kogi State, is facing serious allegations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has filed 19 counts of money laundering charges against Bello, accusing him of conspiring to convert N80,246,470,089.88, which is reasonably known to be proceeds of unlawful activity .

The charges include allegations that Bello, along with his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, conspired to launder funds between 2015 and 2022 . Specifically, Count 17 of the charges alleges that Bello aided E-Traders International Limited in concealing N3,081,804,654.00 in an Access Bank account, while Count 18 accuses him of indirectly transferring $570,330.00 to a TD Bank account in the United States .

Bello's arraignment was initially scheduled for April 18, 2024, but he failed to appear in court, prompting the EFCC to request that the charges be served to him through his counsel . The court ultimately granted the request and adjourned the matter until April 23, 2024 .

It's worth noting that Bello's counsel has filed motions to quash the arrest warrant and challenge the court's jurisdiction . However, the EFCC is determined to ensure that Bello faces justice, with the prosecution counsel stating that the state will invoke all its powers to produce him in court .

The charges against Bello include conspiring to convert the sum of N80, 246, 470, 088.88, which he reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of his unlawful activity . The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had personally invited Bello for interrogation, offering him a chance to clear his name regarding the alleged money laundering .

Bello's media office expressed hope for a professional investigation, respecting his fundamental rights . The case has been adjourned till June 13, 2024, for Bello's arraignment .