Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has finally honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This is coming months after Bello tried to evade arrest.
He was declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged N80 billion fraud.
Prior to the development, some EFCC operatives had barricaded his Abuja residence to arrest him.
During the siege, Ododo arrived at the residence and was said to have helped the former governor escape.
Reacting to the incident, Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), warned against obstructing the EFCC in the discharge of its operations.
Subsequently, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) placed Bello on a watchlist while the police headquarters ordered the withdrawal of officers attached to the former governor.
Yahaya Bello’s media office on Wednesday said the former governor’s decision to honour the invitation was made after his due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
The statement read:
“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 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.
“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”.
