Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was reportedly taken from his Abuja residence by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, according to a source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as reported by Channels Television. The EFCC had earlier surrounded Bello's residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with the intention of arresting and arraigning him on corruption charges.
Amidst the EFCC's siege, Governor Ododo arrived at Bello's residence, where he was greeted by cheers from Bello's supporters. After a brief period, Ododo left the premises with Bello, as confirmed by the anti-graft agency. This turn of events has raised doubts about Bello's scheduled arraignment on a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The situation was further complicated by conflicting court orders regarding Bello's arrest. While a Kogi State High Court in Lokoja restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the EFCC permission to arrest him in preparation for his arraignment.
Justice I.A. Jamil of the Kogi State High Court stated that any infringement on Bello's fundamental human rights would be null and void unless authorized by the court. The EFCC's attempt to arrest Bello has thus been met with legal and procedural challenges, casting uncertainty over the next steps in the case.
