…As Fmr Gov. eludes operatives
…Hold EFCC responsible if anything happens to Bello – Spokesperson
…Bello still on our wanted list – EFCC
…I have nothing to hide or fear – Yahaya Bello
Yesterday proved turbulent for former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, as he found himself at the centre of a dramatic standoff with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Following his voluntary visit to the EFCC headquarters amid serious allegations of money laundering involving over N80.2 billion, tensions escalated dramatically when EFCC operatives laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro, reportedly shooting sporadically in an attempt to apprehend him.
However, security operatives at the governor’s lodge put up some resistance, and gunshots echoed during the altercation. The entire area has been sealed off, restricting movement to only EFCC personnel and other stationed security agencies.
As at the time of press, according to unverified reports, the former governor departed the governor’s lodge, accompanied by the current Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo.
This unexpected turn of events not only heightens the stakes in an already fraught legal situation.
According to a statement issued by Bello’s Director of Media, Ohiare Michael, “EFCC operatives were shooting sporadically during the incident.”
Ohiare condemned the actions and urged Nigerians to “hold the EFCC responsible if anything happens to Bello.”
The statement read: “It has come to our notice that individuals suspected to be EFCC operatives are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro, attempting to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. They were shooting sporadically.
“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him.
“Tonight’s attack was needless, as the former governor made himself available to the EFCC for interrogation. The EFCC had no questions for Alh. Yahaya Bello in the morning, yet suddenly they are trying to arrest him.
“This action is condemnable. It underscores the belief among many Nigerians that the EFCC is engaged in political battles rather than fulfilling its mandate to fight corruption. This situation reflects much more than a mere fight against corruption. We will keep Nigerians updated.”
Recall that during the day, drama had unfolded at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja as former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s visit sparked conflicting narratives between his team and the anti-graft agency.
Bello’s media team claimed that the former governor voluntarily honoured an invitation from the EFCC. Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, stated that the decision was made after consultations with Bello’s legal team and political associates, emphasising that the visit aimed to clear Bello’s name.
“Former Governor Yahaya Bello has great respect for the rule of law and has always sought to enforce his fundamental rights to ensure due process,” Michael asserted. He added that Bello’s media office believes the former governor has “nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” expressing hope that the EFCC would act professionally during their engagement.
However, EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale disputed these claims, insisting that Bello remains a wanted individual.
“Media reports suggesting that he is in custody are incorrect. Bello is wanted for alleged money laundering charges totaling over N80 billion, and a warrant for his arrest is still in effect,” Oyewale had clarified.
Following the EFCC’s statement, Bello’s media office retorted that the former governor left without being interrogated, adding to the confusion surrounding the situation.
During his visit during the day, Bello was accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo. After several hours at the EFCC office, he departed without being questioned.
“We don’t know what this means yet,” Ohiare had said yesterday, prior to last night’s arrest attempt.
Bello’s visit had come amid ongoing legal proceedings concerning allegations against him, which are under review by a competent court.
His legal team has represented him at all relevant hearings, and the former governor had emphasised his willingness to clear his name, asserting, “I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”