By Tony Ezike
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello’s claim of voluntarily surrendering to the authorities. According to a report from TVC news, the EFCC confirmed that Bello was arrested by its operatives during a midnight operation in Lokoja.
Bello is currently in custody at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, facing a 19-count charge related to money laundering totalling N80 billion. Since April 2024, the former governor has consistently failed to attend court hearings at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
An inside source at the EFCC disclosed that Bello had been under surveillance for a while, leading to his eventual arrest in the early morning hours.
This directly challenges the narrative from Bello’s media office, which stated on Wednesday that he had willingly honoured the EFCC’s invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political associates.
He claimed his cooperation was intended to protect his fundamental rights and ensure due process.
