EFCC Dismisses Yahaya Bello’s Assassination Claim, Urges Ex-Governor to Face Trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, alleging an assassination attempt linked to the agency’s efforts to arrest him.

The anti-graft agency described the claim as “preposterous” and an attempt to distract from the ongoing money laundering case against him.

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page, the EFCC expressed frustration over what it called “irresponsible and rascally efforts” by Bello to derail his trial.

The former governor faces an 18-count charge of money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion but has yet to take his plea before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The EFCC criticised Bello for avoiding the court proceedings while alleging persecution and staging his supposed surrender to the Commission on September 18.

Despite this, the agency insisted that only his presence in court, as mandated by Justice Nwite, would demonstrate his commitment to the legal process.

The Commission stated, “Yahaya Bello should be more interested in clearing his name than playing the victim and crying persecution, where none exists.”

Bello’s claim that EFCC agents attempted to assassinate him during a raid at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge was labelled as scaremongering and an unprecedented attempt to scandalize the Commission.

The EFCC maintained that such allegations were meant to manipulate public sentiment and divert attention from the charges against him.

Despite the ex-governor’s antics, the EFCC remains determined to pursue the case in court, where it plans to present the evidence it has gathered.

The statement also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to holding all public officials accountable, emphasising that corruption fights back but will not derail its efforts.

“Bello must have his day in court, no matter the recourse to blackmail, appeal to emotive public sympathy, or acts of brigandage,” the EFCC said.

The agency reiterated that it has already arraigned three former ministers, two ex-governors, and numerous high-profile individuals this year, and more would follow in due course.

While pledging to maintain its integrity, the EFCC urged Nigerians to exercise caution in responding to media reports about its operations, reminding the public that harbouring a criminal suspect is also a punishable offence.