Yahaya Bello Arrested in Midnight Sting Operation, Did Not Surrender – EFCC

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a midnight sting operation. The arrest occurred in Lokoja, Kogi State, and sources within the EFCC confirmed that the operation took place after Bello was trailed by operatives.

Contrary to initial reports from Bello’s media team, which claimed he voluntarily honored an invitation from the EFCC, the anti-graft agency has clarified that the former governor did not surrender himself willingly. Instead, EFCC officials had to apprehend him in the early hours of the morning.

“Former Governor Yahaya Bello is currently at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives trailing and apprehending him at midnight,” an insider at the EFCC revealed.

Earlier, a statement from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, claimed that Bello’s visit to the EFCC was a voluntary move, following consultations with his legal and political advisers. The statement emphasized that Bello has consistently upheld the rule of law and is ready to clear his name of any allegations.

The media office’s release read: “Former Governor Yahaya Bello today honored the invitation of the EFCC after due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies. He has nothing to hide and stands firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.”

The former governor’s team also highlighted Bello’s past efforts to curb corruption in Kogi State, noting that he was the first to implement anti-corruption measures within the state. Despite the arrest, Bello’s representatives called for the EFCC to respect his fundamental rights during his detention.

(Vanguard)