The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that it is ready to engage the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in court over the fraud allegation of N8.2 billion against him.
The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, that Mr Bello must have his day in court.
He said that just like other indicted former ministers, ex-governors, several top government officials, captains of industries and internet fraudsters facing trial, Mr Bello would not be an exemption.
”EFCC is eager to engage the former governor in the courtroom, where the avalanche of evidence so painstakingly assembled can be presented,” he said.
He said that an attempt to frustrate the ongoing investigation and prosecution of the alleged fraud case would not work.
Mr Oyewale said the anti-graft agency was ready to provide all evidence to prove its case in court.
”Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage.
”The EFCC will continue with its no sacred cow policy, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.
He said since the former governor would not submit himself to the EFCC office for questioning, “the appropriate place of surrender would be before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“Before whom his legal team had undertaken to produce him to answer to the 18-count money laundering charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” Mr Oyewale added.
According to him, the commission remains committed to ensuring that the law takes its course in the money laundering charges already filed against Mr Bello in Court.
”The EFCC is not unaware of the fact that corruption fights back.
”Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy or acts of brigandage.
”The EFCC is not running a circus show. Corruption issues should not be turned into a theatre of the absurd,” he warned.
