• Ex-Governor Turns Up with Governor Ododo; EFCC Rejects Grand Entrance
• Bello’s Presence Met with EFCC Resistance Over Protocol Breach
• EFCC Denies Custody of Yahaya Bello Amid Accusations of Political Drama
In a dramatic development, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for over 153 days, appeared at the EFCC headquarters yesterday.
Bello arrived accompanied by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, and several dignitaries, a move which sparked controversy over violation of EFCC’s protocol.
Despite his appearance, the EFCC refused to attend to Bello, stating that he did not follow the proper procedures for responding to the commission’s invitation. According to a source within the agency, “No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.”
The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reportedly ordered that no official engage with Bello, emphasizing that his method of arrival breached the commission’s protocol.
The source further explained that Bello bypassed critical stages of documentation by arriving with the governor, who has immunity.
The agency clarified that while Bello had shown up, he was not yet in their custody, and his arrival did not meet the necessary conditions for an official interrogation.
In a statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the commission reiterated that “Bello is not in its custody” and remains wanted under a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
“No Intimidation”
The EFCC stressed that it would not allow its processes to be undermined by political influence or public spectacle. “We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution,” a top official stated, reflecting the agency’s determination to adhere to due process.
The commission expressed frustration over media reports circulated by Bello’s camp, claiming he was already in EFCC custody, stating that these reports created false impressions. “There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCC’s custody,” a source said.
Bello’s Response
On the other side, Bello’s team has portrayed his appearance as a demonstration of his respect for the law. Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, stated, “He only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.”
The media office also highlighted that Bello’s decision to report to the EFCC came after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
In a separate statement, Michael alleged that EFCC operatives surrounded the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro later that night, attempting to arrest Bello, with claims of sporadic gunfire.
“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him,” Michael declared, accusing the commission of turning the probe into a political vendetta.
While these allegations of an attempted arrest could not be independently verified, the clash between Bello and the EFCC continues to intensify, with both sides holding firm on their positions.
As the saga unfolds, the EFCC has reaffirmed that Yahaya Bello must follow due process and has reiterated its stance that it is still actively seeking to bring him into custody for questioning regarding the N80.2 billion corruption allegations.
