EFCC Launches Fresh Attempt to Arrest Former Governor Yahaya Bello at Kogi Government Lodge
In a dramatic development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly initiated a new attempt to arrest former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. According to Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, EFCC operatives have surrounded the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, where the former governor is staying, and shots have been fired sporadically in an alleged effort to detain him.
Michael, in a statement, said, “It has come to our notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. They were shooting sporadically.”
Earlier in the day, Bello had reportedly visited the EFCC office voluntarily for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation but was told to leave and return at a later date. However, in what his media office has described as a “gestapo-like” operation, EFCC agents allegedly mounted an assault on the government facility just hours later.
The Yahaya Bello Media Office condemned the actions of the EFCC, accusing the agency of playing political games rather than fulfilling its mandate to combat corruption. “We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him,” Michael stated, adding that the former governor had made himself available for questioning earlier in the day.
This incident comes amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of financial misappropriation amounting to NGN 80.2 billion during Bello’s time in office. The EFCC’s latest move has further fueled tensions, with accusations that the agency is operating with political motives rather than a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability.
The public will be awaiting further developments as the situation continues to unfold, with concerns over both the former governor’s safety and the conduct of the EFCC in their handling of high-profile corruption cases. The Yahaya Bello Media Office promised to keep Nigerians informed as the events progress.
