Why we rejected Yahaya Bello’s Arrival – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declined to attend to Yahaya Bello due to his approach in reporting to the commission. According to a source, Bello’s arrival, accompanied by a sitting governor and other dignitaries, violated the commission’s protocol.

The EFCC emphasized that no individual, regardless of status, is permitted to respond to their invitation in a convoy or with a governor, especially one who has immunity from prosecution.The commission noted that Bello bypassed essential documentation stages because of the presence of the governor. Furthermore, the EFCC clarified that the governor was not invited and questioned the reason behind his attendance at their Abuja headquarters. Concerns were also raised about the governor’s involvement in the case, which further contributed to their refusal to attend to Bello.The EFCC stressed that individuals summoned are expected to follow due process, arriving with their legal representatives rather than politically exposed persons.

The commission expressed its displeasure over what it termed “pre-emptive propaganda” by Bello’s team, who falsely claimed that the former governor was already in EFCC custody. This, according to the commission, was another factor in their decision to uphold their procedures and avoid political interference.