EFCC storms Kogi House to arrest Yahaya Bello

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were at the Kogi State Government House to arrest former governor Yahaya Bello, his spokesman Ohiare Michael said.

Michael, a spokesman to Bello, said in a statement that EFCC operatives on Wednesday night laid siege at the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to arrest the ex-governor.

He alleged that the anti-graft officers shot sporadically in the air in the bid to carry out their aim.

“They have been shooting sporadically,” he said.

“It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to the EFCC Office voluntarily, but the commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount an attack on the Kogi Government facility in Asokoro.

“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 in their office for interrogation.

“The EFCC had no question to ask Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.

“This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they are fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption.

“This action reflects much more than a fight against corruption. We will keep Nigerians posted.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello before Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja.