EFCC Speaks as Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Finally Lands in Detention
- The EFCC has confirmed the arrest and detention of former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello
- The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in an interview on Tuesday evening, November 26, said Bello is having a session with investigators of the commission
- Meanwhile, a judge, Maryanne Anenih of the FCT high court, where Bello was charged with the alleged diversion of N110 billion in Kogi’s funds, had fixed Wednesday, November 27, for the former governor’s arraignment
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.
FCT, Abuja - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the detention of former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello.
As reported by Premium Times, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that Bello is currently being grilled by the anti-graft agency’s investigators.
Source: Facebook
He said:
“Yes, he (Yahaya Bello) was arrested today around 12:54 PM, together with three of his lawyers. He is having a session with our investigators and he's in our custody.”
Meanwhile, Oyewale added that Bello “will be detained and arraigned in court as soon as possible.”
Legit.ng had reported how Bello surrendered himself to the EFCC in Abuja.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, with his private security details on Tuesday afternoon, November 26.
Governor Usman Ododo did not accompany Bello as he did earlier in September when the former presidential aspirant made a controversial surrender to the commission in Abuja. The EFCC refused to arrest Bello at the time and instead attempted, on the same day, to apprehend him at the Kogi state government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where he was being sheltered by Governor Ododo.
The encounter resulted in a shootout following a confrontation that reportedly ensued between EFCC operatives and the incumbent Kogi governor’s security details.
Yahaya Bello's trial: Analyst reacts
Commenting on the development, a public affairs analyst, Segun Akinleye, asked Nigerians to brace up for 'another drama".
He told Legit.ng:
"I think Nigerians should be ready for another drama with the Yahaya Bello and EFCC saga. You can see the different reports on his 'arrest'. According to some media platforms, it was Governor Usman Ododo who called the EFCC to come and pick him up after he brought him to Abuja. However, according to the EFCC, he was arrested by their chief security officer (CSO). You will know the EFCC was not being sincere with how he was arrested. No details, nothing. Where was he arrested from?"
Beyond that, Akinleye explained that there was already a plea bargain in place "and the so-called arrest was to save the face" of the EFCC.
He said:
"I am sure a lot of deals have gone behind the scenes before Yahaya Bello could have 'surrendered'. I won't be surprised if the trial drags forever and nothing concrete comes out of it, like many high-profile cases in the country. Let's enjoy the drama and see how things unfold."
Verydarkman challenges EFCC
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that popular social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, aka Verydarkman, reacted to Bello's arrest.
Verydarkman claimed that he heard that Bello bribed the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, with 10 billion naira to arrange the arrest. The internet sensation however noted that the information came from an unreliable source and dared the commission to post a picture of the politician holding a placard.
Source: Legit.ng
