EFCC storms Kogi Lodge in attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello — Media Office

The media office of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has claimed that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) surrounded the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja on Wednesday night in an attempt to arrest the ex-governor.

This comes just hours after Bello’s media team stated that he had voluntarily honoured an invitation from the EFCC.

However, the EFCC denied that the former governor was in its custody, insisting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain remains a wanted man.

Bello’s media office responded by asserting that, upon visiting the EFCC headquarters, the politician was not interrogated and was instead turned away.

Sporadic Gunfire
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, alleged that the EFCC operatives fired shots during the raid at the lodge.

“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,” the statement reads.

“They were shooting sporadically.

“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.”

Bello’s media team also warned that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything happens to the former governor, adding “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.”

On April 18, 2024, the EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted in connection with alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had accused Bello of withdrawing $720,000 from Kogi State’s coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance. The agency also filed a 19-count charge against the former governor.

Bello’s arraignment has been delayed due to his absence. His lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, informed the court in May that the ex-governor’s whereabouts were unknown due to concerns for his safety.

On August 20, 2024, the Abuja Court of Appeal ordered Bello to turn himself in for arraignment, with the EFCC stating that the ruling validated its stance that Bello must face trial.

Sources indicated that Bello has been in “protective custody” under the Kogi State government since he was declared wanted by the EFCC.