EFCC May Take Ex-Governor Bello To Court In Abuja Today

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been in custody since reporting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office in Abuja yesterday, is expected to be arraigned in court today.

Bello arrived at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters at about 12.55pm, accompanied by three lawyers.

He was immediately arrested by the Chief Security Officer to the EFCC Chairman.

He was then taken to the Special Unit for grilling.

But a source said Bello personally reported to the EFCC.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Bello was again sighted in our office today and the Chief Security Officer to the chairman arrested him.

“We have handed him over to the Special Duty Unit.”

Another source explained why Bello was taken to the SDU.

He said: “The ex-governor’s case is of interest to Nigerians, that is why a Special Duty Unit is handling it.

“The unit reports directly to the Executive Chairman of the commission. It is made of crack detectives.

“He is expected to immediately respond to allegations on N80.2billion fraud of which he is awaiting arraignment.

“Thereafter, investigators will move to the issues in the N110billion fraud.”

The spokesman of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale confirmed that Bello was with the agency.

A source in Bello’s camp said: “The ex-governor reported to the EFCC and where do you get the information that he was arrested.

“How can EFCC claim that it arrested a leader who was at his office with his lawyers?”

Giving an update last night on Bello, who voluntarily surrendered to EFCC, a source in the commission said: “All is set for the trial of Bello.”

He said: “He is in custody and he will be on Wednesday (today).”

The EFCC has filed charges against Bello in the Federal High Court, Maitama and in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.