Two senior officials from the Kogi State Government have voluntarily presented themselves at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over the ongoing N80 billion fraud allegation against the former governor Yahya Bello.
This move comes as the former remains on the run, months after being declared wanted by the EFCC.
Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Information Commissioner, disclosed this development during a press briefing in Lokoja on Monday.
Fanwo said that the officials were not summoned but chose to report to the EFCC on their own accord.
“Despite not receiving an official invitation, they decided to voluntarily report at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja,” he stated.
The exact details of the allegations against the officials are still unclear.
However, their voluntary appearance is believed to be connected to the ongoing investigations involving both current and former government officials.
“We have not been told the specific details about the allegations against them, but it may not be unconnected to the ongoing investigations regarding some present and former Government officials,” Fanwo explained.
Fanwo called on the EFCC to handle the investigation with the utmost professionalism.
“We hope that the EFCC will respond to the patriotic action of the officials by remaining professional in conducting their investigations.
“As a Government, we are always prepared to cooperate with anti-graft agencies to prove our transparency and retain the confidence of our development partners who have consistently given us awards in recognition of our unflinching transparency, accountability, and probity,” he added.
The Kogi State Government has been under intense scrutiny over corruption allegations, particularly involving the former governor.
Yahaya Bello is accused of being involved in an N80 billion fraud and has failed to appear in court despite a warrant for his arrest issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, citing alleged money laundering involving N80,246,470,089.88.
An attempt to apprehend Bello at his Abuja residence on April 17 was thwarted by armed men and police, with the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, intervening and escorting Bello from the scene.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, reaffirmed the commission’s stance, stating that Bello “remains wanted until he is arrested.”
Despite the arrest warrant for Bello and three others on 19 counts of money laundering, the EFCC has yet to detain the former governor, resulting in delays in the legal proceedings
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