Details have emerged on why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) refused to interrogate former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, despite his recent appearance at the commission’s headquarters.
Bello had reported to the EFCC, accompanied by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and some dignitaries, in response to the commission’s invitation over alleged mismanagement of N80.2 billion, according to a statement from his media office.
However, the EFCC allegedly rejected his appearance due to the unconventional manner in which he presented himself.
Sources within the EFCC disclosed that Bello’s entourage, including the sitting governor, violated the commission’s invitation protocol, as such he wasn’t attended to and is still a wanted person.
The EFCC maintains that no individual, regardless of status, should appear for an invitation accompanied by a governor and a convoy of vehicles.
“Upon realising that Bello came with the governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him,” the Nation quoted an EFCC source.
The source continued, “His manner of coming to EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.
“To the EFCC, he came with grandeur which is contrary to our procedures.
“There are stages of documentation which Bello skipped because he was with the governor who has immunity.
“The EFCC also did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?
“We have not been comfortable with the roles of the governor in this case.
“After fulfilling all procedures of documentation, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
“We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution.
“This made the Executive Chairman of EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello. He must undergo due process like every invitee.”
The commission also expressed dissatisfaction with Bello’s team spreading false information, claiming he was already in EFCC custody.
“The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bello’s team which had created false impressions.
“There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCC’s custody,” the source said.
The EFCC reiterated that Bello remains wanted and not in their custody.
“As long as Bello does not conform with our protocol, our operatives will arrest him. We are still looking for him,” a top source added.
Bello faces a 19-count charge of money laundering, alongside three others, for allegedly converting N80.2 billion from unlawful activities. His arraignment was initially scheduled for April, but was stalled due to his absence.
It can be recalled that the EFCC in April had obtained a warrant of arrest against Bello. However, operatives of the commission were met with resistance from Governor Ododo, who helped whisk Belllo away, allegedly to the government house in Kogi state.
