Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello recently made headlines following his controversial visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he surrendered himself amid ongoing allegations of money laundering and misappropriation of state funds. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the EFCC allowed him to leave without detaining him, only to later attempt to arrest him at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja.
The Surrender Incident
On September 18, 2024, Yahaya Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo and several supporters. According to statements from Bello’s media aide, Micheal Ohiare, the former governor voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC in response to an invitation. However, upon arrival, EFCC officials reportedly declined to interrogate him, allowing him to leave without any questions.
Despite this apparent compliance, the EFCC later issued a statement reaffirming that Bello remains a wanted individual due to allegations involving approximately ₦80.2 billion in money laundering. The agency emphasized that he is still under investigation and has a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
Attempted Arrest at Kogi Government Lodge
In a surprising twist, later that evening, reports emerged that EFCC operatives had surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja with intentions of arresting Bello. Eyewitness accounts indicated that there were chaotic scenes as operatives allegedly fired shots during their operation. Ohiare condemned this action as unnecessary and politically motivated, asserting that Bello had already made himself available for questioning earlier that day.
The media aide stated, “We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him,” highlighting concerns about the aggressive tactics employed by the commission following his voluntary visit.
EFCC’s Response
The EFCC responded to these developments by describing Bello as a fugitive who had evaded justice for months. In a statement issued by spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the commission characterised Bello’s surrender as a “scripted sleight of hands” and expressed skepticism regarding his intentions. The statement underscored that while Bello was not detained during his visit, it was due to the unusual circumstances surrounding his arrival with a sitting governor and an entourage of security personnel.
Oyewale added, “To even insinuate that he was the target of a phantom assassination attempt because the EFCC made efforts to effect his arrest… is preposterous.” He emphasised that the commission remains committed to pursuing legal action against Bello and ensuring accountability for alleged corruption.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Bello is currently facing multiple legal challenges stemming from allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as governor. The EFCC has filed 19 charges against him related to money laundering and misappropriation of funds. His legal team has been actively contesting these charges in court, including an appeal against an arrest warrant issued earlier this year.
As tensions continue to rise between Bello and the EFCC, observers are closely monitoring how this situation will unfold. The former governor’s claims of political persecution resonate with many supporters who view these allegations as part of broader political battles in Nigeria.
As both sides prepare for what promises to be a contentious legal battle, questions remain about the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and their implications for political figures facing serious allegations. With public sentiment divided and both parties entrenched in their positions, this case is poised to remain in the spotlight as it unfolds in the coming weeks.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
