A dramatic standoff occurred on Wednesday when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, at his residence in Abuja.
The EFCC operatives had arrived at Bello’s residence on 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, around 9:30 a.m., cordoning off the area and halting both human and vehicular movement. However, their efforts were thwarted by armed policemen dressed in black with ‘Special Forces’ insignia.
A heavy security presence was observed at the residence, including operatives from the Department of State Services, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Bello’s private security team. The deadlock continued as EFCC operatives were prevented from entering the house by the armed guards.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo arrived at the residence accompanied by security operatives and supporters. Governor Ododo was later seen leaving the residence around 4:20 p.m. with Bello in his convoy.
Shortly after the departure of the two governors, the EFCC operatives retreated, followed by the DSS and other security personnel. An anonymous source confirmed Bello’s departure with Governor Ododo, stating, “The former governor has left. He left with Governor Ododo, who just drove out now with his security guards.”
However, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, did not respond to inquiries regarding the operation.
The EFCC’s recent action against Bello is part of an ongoing legal battle over allegations of N84bn fraud. The agency had arraigned Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, implicating the former governor in the charges. Despite these charges, the Kogi State government has dismissed them as baseless, insisting there are no missing funds.
In a statement, the EFCC condemned the obstruction of its operatives, warning the public against interfering with its lawful duties. Meanwhile, Bello denounced the EFCC’s actions as illegal, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
Amidst the legal tussle, conflicting court orders have emerged. While the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant for Bello, a Kogi State High Court in Lokoja restrained the EFCC from arresting and prosecuting him.
The EFCC’s amended charge against Bello includes accusations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N84 billion. Despite the charges, the agency claims Bello is at large.
