By ADEMOLA TIJANI
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided detailed explanations regarding the reasons for its officials’ refusal to attend to the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
This statement was made available on their official website, which was accessed by Daily Query yesterday.
The EFCC clarified that upon noticing that Bello arrived at their office accompanied by the sitting governor and several other dignitaries, the Executive Chairman issued a directive stating that no officials should engage with him.
They emphasized that the manner in which Bello presented himself at the EFCC was in violation of their established protocols.
According to the commission, no individual, regardless of their status or position in society, is permitted to attend an invitation in a large convoy, especially one that includes a sitting governor.
The EFCC described Bello’s arrival as extravagant, contrasting sharply with their standard procedures.
They pointed out that he skipped essential documentation stages due to the presence of the governor, who enjoys legal immunity.
Furthermore, they made it clear that the EFCC had not extended an invitation to the governor; thus, they questioned the rationale behind his accompanying Bello to their headquarters in Abuja.
The commission expressed discomfort with the governor’s involvement in this situation, reiterating that after completing all required documentation, Bello should have attended the meeting with his legal representatives rather than with a sitting governor or other politically exposed individuals.
The EFCC asserted that it would not be intimidated or allow its operations to be influenced by political factors.
This led the Executive Chairman to firmly instruct that no officials would engage with Bello until he followed the appropriate due process, just like any other individual invited by the commission.
The EFCC also expressed dissatisfaction with the preemptive propaganda disseminated by Bello’s team in the media, which they believe has created misleading perceptions.
It is worth noting that the former governor has already been declared wanted by the EFCC due to allegations of involvement in a money laundering scheme amounting to approximately N80.2 billion.
