EFCC speaks on Yahaya Bello’s arrest

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that the former governor of kogi State, Yahaya Bello did not voluntarily surrender contrary to media reports.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said Bello was arrested by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday afternoon over his failure to comply with court summons.

The former governor was accompanied by three of his lawyers and is currently being questioned by investigators in Abuja ahead of his court appearance.

Mr Oyewale said, ‘‘We arrested him (Yahaya Bello) at 12.54pm; he did not surrender himself to the commission, three of his lawyers are here with him. Following his arrest, he is having a session with investigators of the commission. He is being detained in our custody and he is going to be arraigned in court accordingly.”

The legal issues stem from a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC against Bello and two others.

Despite public summons issued by Justice Maryanne Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on October 3, Bello did not attend the prior court sessions.

With the summons nearing its November 17 expiration, EFCC counsel Jamiu Agoro previously requested an extension and additional measures to compel Bello’s appearance, including posting hearing notices at his last known address in Abuja.

The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, November 27, where Bello is expected to be arraigned.