Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have surrounded the Abuja residence of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Witnesses reported that the EFCC officials arrived at the ex-governor's residence around 9 am yesterday and have since cordoned off the area. Supporters of Bello were seen gathered in front of the house during the siege.
In mid-March, the EFCC indicted Bello in an alleged diversion of around N100 billion, which was said to have occurred before he assumed office in September 2015. The EFCC included Bello in an amended suit alongside the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, Alli Bello, and Daudu Suleiman, who were re-arraigned before Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
A top EFCC official confirmed that the siege was to arrest Bello and bring him to court over the alleged looting of Kogi's treasury during his governorship. The official stated that the EFCC operatives had a warrant of arrest for Bello and that he would be given the opportunity to defend himself in court.
In response to the siege, the media office of the former governor condemned the invasion, calling it illegal since the matter was already on appeal. The EFCC's presence was deemed a breach of a February 9, 2024, court order from Lokoja High Court, which restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello. The EFCC had filed an appeal against the order, with a hearing scheduled for April 22, 2024.
Despite the confusion and contradictory orders from different courts, the EFCC proceeded with the arrest of Bello, citing its powers under the law to arrest individuals with or without a warrant. The situation remains tense as legal battles continue over the legality of the arrest and prosecution of the former governor.
