- Yahaya Bello was charged with 19 counts of money laundering, with his trial rescheduled for September 25
- The former governor of Kogi State repeatedly avoided invitations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has now given Bello a last chance to respond to his charges of laundering N80.2 billion
Former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello has been given a last chance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respond to charges of laundering N80.2 billion.
Yahaya Bello, charged with 19 counts of alleged money laundering, repeatedly avoided invitations from the EFCC, with his trial now moved to September 25.
EFCC reportedly orders Bello to appear in court
According to Vanguard, an unnamed source in Abuja said the anti-graft agency has ordered Bello to be present in court on Wednesday.
“The EFCC is a highly professional agency with strict guidelines regarding the arrest, bail, surrender of wanted suspects, investigation, and prosecution. He presented himself like an emperor in an environment where he was a suspect.
“Additionally, the Commission encountered intelligence suggesting that his motives for surrender could jeopardize his trial.
EFCC denies Bello's surrender bid, insists on court appearance
“These factors led Ola Olukoyede to act swiftly and reject his contrived surrender offer. The only remaining opportunity for him is to appear in court on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to enter his plea.
“The Commission is not concerned about his manoeuvres because charges have already been filed against him, and his delay tactics could only worsen his case. His last opportunity is to present himself in court, which is the only action that can help his case,” the unnamed source stated on Monday, September 23 according to the Vanguard.
EFCC suspects interference with commission’s operations
It was reported that upon arriving at the Commission's premises, Bello engaged with certain officers who misled him, ultimately derailing his attempt to surrender.
The EFCC reported that its investigation revealed intelligence suggesting Bello’s actions were not sincere.
The source further disclosed that Bello’s attempt to turn himself in was rejected out of concern that he intended to interfere with the commission’s operations.
Conflicting reports emerge on Yahaya Bello's arrest by EFCC
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Yahaya Bello's media office said the former Kogi State voluntarily responded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) denied having Yahaya Bello in their custody, declaring he remained a wanted individual.