Yahaya Bello: EFCC Grills Two Kogi Government Officials

The Kogi state government has confirmed that two of its officials are currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi’s commissioner of information, announced on Monday that the reasons for their detention have not been disclosed, though it is believed to be linked to ongoing investigations of both current and former government officials.

The development comes amid a manhunt for Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi, who has been declared wanted by the EFCC for allegedly diverting N80 billion. Bello has since gone into hiding.

Fanwo emphasized that the officials have complied with the EFCC’s invitation as law-abiding citizens.

“The Kogi State Government can confirm that two of her officials are currently at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja to honour the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,” Fanwo stated. “We have not been told the specific details about their invitation, but it may not be unconnected to the ongoing investigations regarding some present and former government officials.”

He added, “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.”