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REVEALED: Why EFCC ‘Rejected’ Yahaya Bello

Published

3 months ago

Sep 19, 2024.

A source within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that the agency’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, specifically instructed staff not to attend to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, during his visit to the commission’s headquarters on Wednesday.

The source noted that Bello’s arrival was seen as a violation of the EFCC’s protocols.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the source claimed that Bello bypassed standard procedures at the EFCC because he was accompanied by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who enjoys immunity from prosecution. This breach of protocol was reportedly unacceptable to the commission.

In response, the EFCC emphasized that it would not be intimidated or compromised by any political figure, reiterating its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its procedures.

The agency also criticized Governor Ododo for his involvement in the situation.

“Upon realizing that Bello was accompanied by the governor and other dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him,” the source stated.

“His manner of arriving at the EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, regardless of their status, is expected to respond to an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.”

The source further explained that Bello bypassed essential documentation procedures due to the presence of the governor, who was not invited by the EFCC. The agency questioned the legitimacy of the governor’s presence, expressing concern over his role in the case involving Bello.

“After fulfilling all documentation procedures, Bello should have been accompanied by his lawyer(s) rather than a governor or other Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

EFCC ‘Rejected’ Yahaya Bello

“We will not be intimidated or allow our system to be compromised by political influences,” the source added.

The EFCC also accused Bello’s media team of spreading misinformation, creating the false impression that Bello was already in the commission’s custody. The commission expressed displeasure over what it described as preemptive propaganda by Bello’s team, which it said misled the public.

The situation on Wednesday took a dramatic turn when Bello’s media team announced that the former governor had honored the EFCC’s invitation by appearing at its Abuja headquarters. However, the EFCC’s spokesperson swiftly denied that Bello was in their custody.

This development has further highlighted the tension between the EFCC and political figures, with the commission standing firm on its protocols and procedures.