Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has honoured the EFCC’s invitation after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies. The EFCC declared him wanted over allegations of fraud during his time in office.

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after careful consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.

The EFCC had earlier declared him wanted over allegations of fraud and corrupt enrichment during his tenure in office.

Also read: Yahaya Bello loses bid to hear N80bn fraud case in Kogi

In a statement released by his media office on Wednesday, Yahaya Bello explained his decision to engage with the EFCC, citing his respect for the rule of law.

He emphasised that his legal team had been representing him in court to ensure due process in all proceedings related to the case.

Bello highlighted his commitment to clearing his name, stating that he has nothing to hide and fully supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.

He also noted that during his governorship, he was the first to introduce an anti-corruption mechanism in Kogi State, aimed at preventing graft and ensuring state resources were used for the benefit of the people.

Accompanied by high-profile Nigerians, Bello urged the EFCC to act professionally and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen. Further details of his meeting with the EFCC are expected to be shared in due course.

Edo State police engaged kidnappers who stole a Mercedes Benz C350 and abducted a victim, rescuing the victim unhurt after a gun battle.

Operatives from the Ugbowo Police Division in Edo State successfully engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle after responding to a distress call.

The incident occurred around 9:15 pm when Valentine Igbinevbo’s Mercedes Benz C350 was snatched at gunpoint, and his friend Iyobo Ighodaro (21) was abducted.

Also read: Kidnappers abduct Ogun varsity student in Lagos, demand N3m ransom

Upon receiving the call, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP John O. Emmanuel swiftly mobilised a team and traced the kidnappers to Egor, where they were negotiating ransom using the victim’s phone.

On sighting the police, the kidnappers engaged in a gunfight. One suspect sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the other escaped with gunshot wounds.

The police successfully rescued the abducted victim, who was unharmed, and recovered the stolen vehicle. Among the items recovered were a cut-to-size gun, live cartridges, a cutlass, and three phones.

The deceased suspect’s body has been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, commended the Ugbowo Division for their swift and effective action in combating the crime.

The EFCC has arrested five Chinese nationals for suspected illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State, specifically at Ndito-Eka-Iba village.

EFCC Arrests Chinese for Illegal Mining: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended five Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State.

The arrests took place at Ndito-Eka-Iba village in Ibeno Local Government Area.

Also read: EFCC busts illegal miners with 6 trucks in Oyo

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale reported that the suspects, identified as Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng, were detained by the Commission’s Special Task Force. The arrests occurred on August 29 and September 10.

The suspects were found at an illegal mining site where they were extracting a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral.

Oyewale confirmed that the suspects would face charges in court once the investigations are complete.

“The five alleged illegal miners were arrested following credible intelligence on foreign mining activities in Eket and Ibeno Local Government Areas,” said Oyewale. The operation highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in the region.