National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims made by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, that he voluntarily turned himself in.
The anti-graft agency revealed that Bello was, arrested in Lokoja during a midnight operation.
The former governor is currently in custody at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, facing a 19-count charge of money laundering involving N80 billion.
While Bello’s media team maintained that he voluntarily cooperated with the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal advisers, and political associates, the EFCC has provided a different narrative.
According to the commission, Bello had been dodging court appearances since the case began in April 2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
An EFCC source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said: “Our operatives had been tracking him for weeks, and we eventually apprehended him during a raid in the early hours of the morning in Lokoja.
The claim that he surrendered voluntarily is entirely false.
“Bello’s media office had earlier stated on Wednesday, asserting that his decision to respond to the EFCC’s invitation was in line with his commitment to upholding his fundamental human rights and ensuring due process was followed.
However, EFCC officials have categorically stated that the former governor was apprehended and did not willingly surrender as claimed
