EFCC Denies Custody of Yahaya Bello, Confirms He Remains Wanted

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is in its custody.

In a statement released on Wednesday, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale clarified that Bello remains a wanted man and is not being held by the agency. The EFCC confirmed that a warrant of arrest, issued in connection with an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case, is still active.

“Reports suggesting that former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello is in EFCC custody are incorrect. He remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale stated.

This contradicts an earlier statement from Bello’s media office, which claimed the ex-governor had voluntarily appeared before the commission after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.

Bello has previously resisted multiple EFCC invitations and was involved in a high-profile standoff at his Abuja residence. Despite a warrant, intervention from his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, prevented his immediate arrest.

Bello faces a 19-count money laundering charge, with his trial set to resume on September 25.