A source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stated that the embattled former Governor of Kogi State was not attended to when he voluntarily visited the commission’s headquarters in Abuja because he failed to follow due process....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
Bello, who has been accused of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion honored the EFCC’s invitation on Wednesday, September 18.
A statement from the Director of his Media Office, Ohiare Michael indicated that the decision was made after careful consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The statement also indicated that details of his interaction with the anti-graft agency’s officials would be revealed at a later time.
According to the statement from his Media Office, “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and authority, had only been seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.”
Despite news reports suggesting Bello was in EFCC custody answering questions about the allegations against him and three others, the anti-graft agency dismissed these reports in a statement. The EFCC clarified that Bello was not in their custody.
Bello, who had already been declared wanted by the Commission remains wanted with an outstanding arrest warrant.
As speculation continues on social and traditional media, the source revealed that Bello was turned away because he did not follow the usual procedure.
“Upon realising that Bello came with the governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him.
“His manner of coming to EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor. To the EFCC, he came with grandeur which is contrary to our procedures. There are stages of documentation which Bello skipped because he was with the governor who has immunity.”
“The EFCC also did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?
“We have not been comfortable with the roles of the governor in this case.
“After fulfilling all procedures of documentation, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
“We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution.
“This made the Executive Chairman of EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello. He must undergo due process like every invitee.
“The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bello’s team which had created false impressions.
“There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCC’s custody,” a source told The Nation.
