Bayo Onanuga explains the limitations faced by police in assisting the EFCC with Governor Yahaya Bello’s arrest, highlighting jurisdictional challenges. Read more on this legal standoff.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that security agencies have faced difficulties in arresting the troubled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, due to the case’s “complicated” nature.
Onanuga appeared as a guest on the Sunday edition of “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,” a socio-economic program broadcasted on Channels Television.
In April, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a wanted notice for Bello, who served as Kogi governor from May 2015 to May 2023, in connection with an alleged financial crime amounting to N80.2 billion.
At various times, the EFCC attempted to arrest former governor Bello by raiding his residence. However, his successor Usman Ododo intervened and quickly moved him to safety at his lodge.
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The case has been in court, but the former governor has yet to appear before the trial judge despite numerous adjournments.
When asked why the police can’t instruct orderlies assigned to Ododo to detain Bello, Onanuga explained, “The situation is somewhat complex. The EFCC is a Federal Government agency seeking Yahaya Bello’s arrest. However, Bello is taking refuge under the protective status of his successor as governor of Kogi State, who benefits from immunity.”
That’s the issue because if Bello remains inside Governor Ododo’s residence, the police are unable to act without infringing on his immunity.
It’s similar to a diplomat having certain immunities—there’s nothing you can really do about it. Remember when the UK was searching for the Wikileaks founder? He took refuge in an embassy there, and security agents couldn’t touch him while he stayed inside. Eventually, though, he came out and they arrested him.
“It’s the same situation. Ododo is protected by immunity, and Yahaya Bello is thought to be concealing himself there. They can’t simply raid the location and claim they’re arresting him; that’s where the EFCC faces challenges, with no assistance from the police.”
