Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, with assistance from his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. The EFCC had been attempting to apprehend Bello in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud case. The operation took place at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, where the agency had laid siege in a bid to detain the former governor.
Despite the EFCC’s efforts, Bello was able to avoid arrest, thanks to Ododo’s intervention. Ododo, who enjoys immunity as the sitting governor of Kogi State, allegedly used his position to protect his predecessor from being taken into custody. This marks a second instance of such interference, as Ododo had reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during a similar raid in April.
Following Wednesday’s incident, the EFCC denied having Bello in their custody. The commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, stated that the former governor was not detained, despite claims from Bello’s media team suggesting otherwise. This has raised questions about the extent of the cooperation between Bello and Ododo in evading arrest.
EFCC officials expressed frustration over their inability to arrest Bello, citing Ododo’s governorship immunity as the key reason for their failure to take action. This immunity has become a significant barrier in the EFCC’s efforts to apprehend the former governor, further complicating the commission’s investigation into the alleged fraud.
The recurring pattern of Ododo’s involvement in shielding Bello from arrest is likely to intensify scrutiny of both the former and current governors. As the EFCC continues its pursuit of Bello, the situation underscores the complexities involved in navigating legal and political immunity in high-profile cases.
One of the officials said, “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday just like he did the other time. He took him away and our men could not do anything because of the immunity he (Ododo) is enjoying.”
Efforts to get the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as calls and message to him on the matter were not answered.
Also, the Director of Bello’s media team, Ohaire Michael’s number, was switched off and he had yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of press time.
