EFCC Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Method of Reporting for Alleged Breach of Protocol
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it rejected the manner in which former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, reported to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, describing it as a breach of protocol.
A source from the EFCC revealed that Bello arrived at the commission in a convoy, accompanied by the current governor of Kogi State and other dignitaries, which was seen as a violation of the EFCC’s procedures. According to the source, this prompted the Executive Chairman of the EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello.
“Upon realising that Bello came with the governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him. His manner of coming to the EFCC was a breach of our protocol,” the source said.
The EFCC stressed that no Nigerian, regardless of their status, is expected to show up for an invitation with a convoy of vehicles or in the company of a sitting governor. The source further explained that the presence of the governor, who has immunity from legal proceedings, complicated the matter, and Bello’s team skipped crucial documentation procedures.
“There are stages of documentation which Bello skipped because he was with the governor who has immunity,” the source continued, adding that the EFCC had not invited the governor, raising questions about his presence.
The EFCC made it clear that it expects individuals under investigation to follow the standard process, including arriving with legal representation rather than politically exposed persons (PEPs). The commission stressed that its procedures cannot be bypassed and emphasized that the EFCC would not allow its system to be influenced by political figures.
Additionally, the source mentioned that the EFCC was displeased with the “pre-emptive propaganda” in the media, which created false impressions that Bello was already in custody, further complicating the situation.
“The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bello’s team which had created false impressions,” the source noted.
Bello had been summoned by the EFCC in connection with allegations of a multi-billion naira fraud during his time as governor of Kogi State. The investigation is ongoing, and the commission insists that due process will be followed in his case.
