The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensified its pursuit of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, last night as its operatives reportedly surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in the Asokoro district of Abuja.
The action was part of an ongoing attempt to arrest the former governor, who has been on the run for months following an arrest order issued by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The day began with a surprising turn of events when Yahaya Bello, who had remained out of sight for nearly five months, resurfaced publicly.
This appearance came after a previously failed attempt by the EFCC to apprehend him in connection with an N80.2 billion money laundering case.
Sources reveal that Bello had been taking refuge in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, under the protection of the current governor, Usman Ododo.
However, in an unexpected move, Bello voluntarily showed up at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
His media aide, Micheal Ohiare, explained that the former governor’s decision to appear before the commission came after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies. Ohiare also stated that further details of Bello’s interaction with the EFCC would be revealed later.
In a surprising twist, hours after his appearance, it was reported that Bello left the EFCC premises without being interrogated.
His media office confirmed that the EFCC did not question him, and he departed the commission’s headquarters alongside his entourage.
Ohiare’s statement read, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former governor Yahaya Bello to the EFCC to honor their invitation. Despite his presence, the EFCC did not interrogate him, and he has since left their office.”
Although the EFCC did not confirm or deny Bello’s visit, the commission reaffirmed its stance that Bello remains a wanted person.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, emphasized in a statement, “Reports suggesting that Yahaya Bello is in EFCC custody are false. The former governor is still wanted for alleged money laundering charges, and a warrant for his arrest remains in effect.”
Just hours after allowing Bello to leave, EFCC operatives reportedly surrounded the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro, aiming to apprehend the former governor.
Ohiare condemned this new development, stating that it appeared the EFCC was now attempting to forcibly arrest Bello after previously letting him go.
“They are currently surrounding the Kogi Government Lodge and firing sporadically,” Ohiare said.
He expressed concerns for Bello’s safety, accusing the EFCC of launching a politically motivated attack. “Earlier today, Yahaya Bello willingly presented himself to the EFCC, and they had no questions for him. Now they are attempting to arrest him in an aggressive and unnecessary manner. If anything happens to him, the EFCC should be held responsible.”
The unfolding situation has intensified public debate surrounding Bello’s case. His arrest has been a subject of ongoing legal battles, with the Federal High Court in Abuja recently threatening to jail his lawyers for delaying his arraignment.
The court had previously set September 25 as the date for his arraignment on charges of money laundering and misappropriation of Kogi State funds.
Despite Bello’s legal team arguing that the court lacked the jurisdiction to order his arrest, the Court of Appeal had already nullified a Kogi State High Court ruling that initially restrained the EFCC from arresting and prosecuting him.
With tensions rising, all attention is focused on the September court date, as the outcome will determine whether it follows the usual precedent of leniency towards corrupt activities or sets a new course as a deterrent to others.
