Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, has called on former Governor Yahaya Bello to honor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation regarding an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
The senator commended the EFCC’s efforts to apprehend and prosecute Bello, while also praising Chairman Ola Olukoyede for ceding 14 forfeited properties to the Enugu State government. The properties were earlier forfeited to the Nigerian Government.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the EFCC needs to investigate other corrupt public officials to avoid the perception of a witch-hunt against Bello. She expressed surprise at Bello’s excuse for not attending the EFCC’s invitation, where he claimed that a senator is attempting to humiliate him should he honour the invitation.
EFCC Chairman Olukoyede had invited Bello for questioning, but the former governor claimed a senator had planted over 100 journalists in the office to embarrass him. Olukoyede offered Bello the option to use his private gate for a discreet entrance, but Bello insisted on being interrogated in his village.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reminded Bello of the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution, given his former position as Kogi’s chief security officer. She advised him to honor the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.
The senator also commended the EFCC’s diligence in handling the case, emphasizing that no Nigerian is above the law. She urged the agency to see the case through to the end to gain the trust of Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption.