Yahaya Bello at the EFCC office on Wednesday
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acted out a curious drama Wednesday night when its operatives invaded Kogi State governor’s lodge in a failed attempt to arrest former governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, who earlier voluntarily reported at EFCC office, reports Political Economist NG.
Bello who had been declared wanted by EFCC made a surprise appearance at EFCC office hoping to be interrogated by operatives of the commission but was allowed to go home without interrogation.
Curiously, the commission hours after Bello left its office invaded Kogi governor’s lodge in Asokoro, a highbrow suburb of Abuja hunting for Bello whom, Political Economist NG learnt was whisked away under cover by the incumbent governor, Usman Ododo. This is the second time that EFCC officials would be attempting to arrest Bello gestapo-style with full media coverage.
The EFCC operatives who came for the operations were however resisted by security personnel at the governor’s lodge resulting in several gunshots being fired into the air during the failed operation.
Journalists who had arrived at the scene to cover the ‘drama’ also had a rough time as they were harassed. Channels TV reported that the equipment of their crew was seized.
The drama started Wednesday when Bello suddenly appeared on EFCC premises after months of being declared wanted by the EFCC.
Bello’s Media Officer, Ohiare Michael, said the former governor honoured EFCC invitation “after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies”.
But in a swift reaction to Bello’s media office, the EFCC said the former governor was not in its custody and remains wanted. It issued a counter statement to that effect.
According to Yahaya Bello’s media office, the former Kogi governor and his successor Usman Ododo were at the EFCC office on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the ex-governor remains wanted “for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges”.
“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” Oyewale said in a statement.
Bello was sued by the EFCC on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering to the tune of ₦80 billion.
His case was recently adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja to September 25.
Political Economist NG learnt that Bello who was willing to submit himself to due process by allowing EFCC to interrogate him may not appear in court as “his fundamental human rights have been violated”, a source familiar with Bello said.
