Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday and did not surrender to the agency as rumoured.
According to Vanguard news, Bello is being held at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja after he was picked up in a midnight sting operation.
The Vanguard reported that Bello, who claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight.
“Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja. He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives trailing and apprehending him at midnight,” the source said.
Earlier, a press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, said the former governor honoured the EFCC’s invitation.
Ohiare claimed, “Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
“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 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.