Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has denied the claim that former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello was in its custody.

Oyewale’s statement was a response to a viral X post by Bello on Wednesday claiming that he was at the EFCC headquarters following an invitation for questioning.

Following Bello’s claim of honouring an EFCC invitation, FIJ called and texted Oyewale on Wednesday morning for confirmation. He did not respond immediately. The spokesperson issued a press statement afterwards.

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Part of the statement read, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

Bello had claimed that his decision to honour the invitation was motivated by a consensus of his advisers and political associates.

“This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies. The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process,” Ohiare Michael, a director at Bello’s media office, stated on Wednesday.

“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

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“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians. It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”

Bello went into hiding following the EFCC’s decision to prosecute him over a yet-to-be-proven N80 billion money laundering crime committed during his tenure as governor.

Despite a court warrant for his arrest, Bello remained elusive from the authorities.