Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently in custody at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja.
The embattled politician is facing accusations of money laundering and financial misconduct amounting to N80.2 billion.
According to reliable sources at the Commission’s headquarters, Bello was arrested in a midnight sting operation.
A source familiar with the development stated that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight.
“Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is currently at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja. He was arrested in Lokoja, with operatives trailing and apprehending him at midnight”, the source said.
Earlier, a press release from Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, stated that Bello had honoured the EFCC’s invitation.
Bello’s arrest marks a turning point in the months-long stand-off between the former governor and the anti-graft agency.
He had previously been declared as ‘wanted’ for evading arrest and failing to comply with the Commission’s repeated invitations regarding the alleged embezzlement of State funds during his tenure.
