Rita Odafe
Yahaya Bello
A video has emerged showing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) trying to apprehend former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, at the governor’s lodge.
On the evening of September 18, Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory erupted with gunfire as the EFCC operatives attempted the arrest.
The effort was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, leading to a confrontation. During the chaos, the current governor of Kogi, Ahmed Ododo, reportedly helped Bello escape.
Reports regarding Bello’s interaction with the EFCC created confusion. His media representatives stated that he was complying with an invitation to the EFCC office, but the agency refuted this, asserting that Bello remains a wanted individual.
According to The Nation, an unnamed source from the EFCC indicated that Bello did present himself but was not assisted due to arriving in a convoy with his successor. The source explained that this was a violation of the EFCC’s protocols.
‘’After noticing Bello’s arrival with a sitting governor and other dignitaries, the Executive Chairman instructed that no official could assist him. His manner of visitation breached our protocols; no individual, regardless of status, is permitted to arrive in a convoy with a serving governor for an invitation.
The EFCC felt that Bello’s grand entrance was inappropriate, bypassing necessary documentation steps due to the presence of the governor who holds immunity.
Moreover, the EFCC did not extend an invitation to the current governor, raising questions about the need for him to accompany Bello to their Abuja office.
Concerns were raised regarding the governor’s involvement in this case. Normally, a former governor is expected to arrive with legal counsel, not with political figures or current officials.
The EFCC emphasized its commitment to maintaining a non-partisan approach and ensuring that all individuals, including Bello, adhere to procedural standards.
The commission expressed dissatisfaction with the misleading narratives being circulated in the media by Bello’s team, which suggested that he was already in the custody of the EFCC.
You can view the video related to the attempted arrest of the former governor below;
