From Victor Osula, Abuja
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday, appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.
He is meeting with EFCC investigators over allegations of fraud during his tenure.
In a statement issued by his media office, it was confirmed that the former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters on Tuesday morning, accompanied by his legal team.
Bello faces a 16-count charge of money laundering involving over N110.4 billion.
The former governor had evaded public scrutiny since April when an EFCC attempt to arrest him at his Abuja residence was unsuccessful.
Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, had previously issued a hearing notice against Bello following his repeated failure to appear in court for arraignment.
The notice was ordered to be pasted at Bello’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and displayed on the court’s notice board.
While the initial public summons expired on November 17, EFCC sought an extension to grant Bello more time to respond, given the 30-day period stipulated for such summons.
Bello’s appearance comes days after the Supreme Court dismissed a suit by the Kogi State Government challenging the EFCC’s constitutional authority.
The apex court upheld the agency’s powers to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.
This story is developing.
