Why We Did Not Interrogate Yahaya Bello – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello made an appearance at its Abuja headquarters but was not interrogated due to a breach of the commission’s invitation protocol.

Bello is wanted by the EFCC in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

After five months of the running saga over the former governor’s move to enforce his rights, Bello finally showed up, accompanied by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. However, the EFCC refused to attend to him, citing his arrival with a sitting governor as a violation of the agency’s procedures.

According to an EFCC insider, Chairman Ola Olukoyede ordered that no official should attend to Bello after observing that the former governor arrived with political figures, which contradicted the standard protocol for such invitations.

The source explained: “Bello’s manner of reporting to the EFCC breached our protocol. No Nigerian, regardless of status, is expected to show up for an investigation with a convoy and a sitting governor. His arrival with grandeur and politically exposed persons violated our procedure.”

The EFCC noted that while the former governor is required to undergo standard documentation procedures, his entourage, which included a governor protected by constitutional immunity, made this impossible. The commission insisted that Bello should have attended with legal representation, not a sitting governor.

The source added, “Bello skipped key documentation steps because of the governor’s presence. The EFCC did not invite Governor Ododo, and his involvement in the case raises concerns. We will not allow our system to be influenced by political interference.”

The EFCC also criticized the media narrative from Bello’s camp, which suggested that the ex-governor was already in custody. “There were false reports claiming that Bello was in EFCC custody, but he remains a wanted person. Until he complies with our protocols, we will arrest him,” the source confirmed.

Amid the ongoing saga, EFCC operatives reportedly attempted to arrest Bello on Wednesday night by laying siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja, with reports of gunfire. Bello’s media office responded, warning that the EFCC would be held accountable if anything happens to him.

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