The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s claim of voluntarily surrendering, stating instead that he was arrested by operatives in Lokoja during the night.

Bello is currently in custody at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, where he faces a 19-count charge related to laundering N80 billion.

Despite several court summons since the case began in April 2024 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the former governor had consistently failed to appear.

An insider within the EFCC revealed that Bello was closely monitored and taken into custody in the early hours.

This contradicts Bello’s earlier statement, released on Wednesday, in which he claimed to have voluntarily cooperated with the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political associates.

Bello’s office had emphasized that his decision was made to safeguard his fundamental rights and ensure that due process is followed.