Drama unfolds as EFCC agents make an attempt to arrest Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at his lodge. Discover more about the incident and its implications.
On Wednesday evening, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials tried to apprehend Yahaya Bello, a former governor of Kogi State, at the Governor’s lodge in Asokoro District within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
During the altercation, gunshots were heard in the air as security operatives at the governor’s lodge resisted.
The EFCC and other security agencies stationed in the area have cordoned off the entire zone, limiting movements exclusively to their operatives.
Reports that have not been verified suggest that the erstwhile governor departed from the governor’s residence while in the company of current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo.
After the operatives’ attempt to arrest Bello, it appears that normalcy has been restored around the Kogi State governor’s lodge.
Here’s the latest update on the tumultuous events revolving around Yahaya Bello, who has been wanted by EFCC for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion – it is quite a roller-coaster ride indeed!
According to Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, on Wednesday it was stated that after seeking counsel from his legal team and political allies as well as discussing with family members; the former governor finally responded to EFCC’s invitation despite being declared a wanted person for several months.
However, swiftly responding to the statement from Bello’s media team, the EFCC declared that despite not having custody of him, they still have an outstanding warrant for the former governor.
READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello Claims EFCC Asked Him to Leave Without Questioning
The ex-governor is still being sought after by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale. He has been accused of money laundering charges amounting to N80.2 billion.
The media has reported that Mr. Yahaya Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State, is currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, this information is incorrect. The EFCC clarifies that they do not have custody of Mr. Bello at this time.
According to a statement by Oyewale, Bello who has been accused of money laundering charges amounting to N80.2 billion is still wanted and there exists an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Ohiare Michael issued a subsequent statement confirming his previous assertion that Bello heeded the anti-corruption agency’s summons. However, officials dismissed him without questioning during the process.
He stated that Usman Ododo, the current governor, accompanied his predecessor to the EFCC office.
We emphasized that the previous Governor held a deep regard for both the rule of law and established authority. Additionally, we underscored his unwavering pursuit to exercise his fundamental rights solely for the purpose of upholding due process.
According to the statement, despite being advised by officials that he could go, Alhaji Yahaya Bello was not actually interrogated by the EFCC. The situation remains unclear at this time. As of now, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has departed from the EFCC premises with HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo – Governor of Kogi State who accompanied him there.
Bello faced a lawsuit from the EFCC for 19 accusations of purportedly laundering ₦80bn.
Bello has continuously declined to comply with EFCC’s requests for interrogation and persistently abstained from court hearings.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja has adjourned his case to September 25.
