• ‘YOU LIED; HE WAS NEVER ARRESTED’ – BELLO’S AIDES

More details have emerged on how controversial former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a trending video seen by CITY LAWYER , the spokesman for the commission Dele Oyewale told newsmen that contrary to speculations, EFCC arrested the former governor.

Bello is facing allegations of fraud totaling N110.4 billion. In September, the EFCC filed additional charges against him, supplementing a prior case involving N80.2 billion in alleged money laundering, which also named his nephew, Ali Bello, and associates Dauda Suliman and Abdulsalami Hudu as co-defendants.

His words: ”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.”

Meanwhile, Bello’s media office has debunked EFCC’s claim, saying Bello was never arrested but surrendered himself to the anti-graft agency after months of cat-and-mouse game.

A statement by the media office seen by CITY LAWYER reads: “Our attention has been drawn to various reports regarding the appearance of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office earlier today, November 26, 2024.

“We wish to clarify that Alhaji Yahaya Bello voluntarily honored the invitation of the EFCC as a law-abiding citizen and did so in the company of his legal team. Contrary to false narratives suggesting otherwise, he was neither arrested nor coerced into attending.

“It is important to reiterate that Alhaji Yahaya Bello drove himself to the EFCC office in Abuja and remains committed to cooperating fully with the agency in the ongoing matter. This gesture underscores his respect for the rule of law and the judiciary.

“The recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutional authority of the EFCC further emphasizes the need for due process and lawful engagement. We are confident that the ongoing legal processes will ultimately vindicate the former governor, as his commitment to transparency and accountability in public service has never wavered.

“We urge members of the public to disregard any unfounded insinuations and baseless rumors aimed at tarnishing Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s reputation. His unwavering dedication to the progress of Kogi State and Nigeria at large remains his priority.”

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