The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is in its custody.

In a statement on Wednesday, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, clarified that the ex-governor is still wanted in connection with an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.

“Reports circulating today suggesting that the former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are false. The Commission wishes to state categorically that Mr. Bello is not in our custody.

“Mr. Bello remains wanted by the Commission, with a subsisting warrant for his arrest, over the alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering charges,” Oyewale said.

This position contradicts a statement released by the media office of Yahaya Bello, which claimed that the former governor had honoured the EFCC’s invitation.

In a statement released earlier on Wednesday, Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said the ex-governor honoured the invitation after consultations with his family, legal advisers, and political associates.

In a follow-up statement, Michael reiterated that Bello did indeed honour the EFCC’s invitation but was not questioned. Instead, he was asked to leave without any interrogation.

According to the media office, Bello was accompanied to the EFCC’s office by his successor, Usman Ododo.

“We have always emphasised the former Governor’s respect for the rule of law and constituted authority. All along, his focus has been on enforcing his fundamental rights to ensure due process is followed.

“The EFCC did not interrogate him; rather, he was informed that he could leave. We are not sure of the full implications of this yet, but as of now, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has left the EFCC office, accompanied by the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo,” the statement read in part.

It is worth noting that in April, the EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted for alleged financial crimes amounting to ₦80.2 billion.

The EFCC had previously attempted to arrest Bello at his residence in Wuse, Abuja, but he was reportedly shielded and whisked away by his successor, Usman Ododo.

Although the matter is currently in court, the former governor has failed to appear before the trial judge despite several adjournments.

Bello served as the Governor of Kogi State from 27 January 2016 to 27 January 2024, before handing over to Ododo, a fellow member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).