On Wednesday night, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in the Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory. However, the arrest attempt was met with resistance from security operatives at the lodge, leading to gunfire during the confrontation.
The area has since been cordoned off, with movements restricted to EFCC operatives and other security agencies stationed there. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has left the lodge with the current Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo. Normalcy appears to have returned following the incident.
This development adds to the series of events involving Yahaya Bello, who has been on the EFCC's wanted list for allegedly laundering ₦80.2 billion. Despite being declared wanted, a statement from Bello's media office, led by Ohiare Michael, claimed that the former governor had honored an EFCC invitation after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
However, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale refuted this, stating that Bello was not in the commission’s custody and remains wanted for the ₦80.2 billion money laundering charges. In response, Michael released another statement, insisting that Bello had visited the EFCC office but was told to leave without interrogation. He added that Bello was accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
Bello has been charged by the EFCC on a 19-count indictment related to money laundering of ₦80 billion. Despite multiple invitations for questioning and court summons, he has consistently refused to appear. His case has been adjourned by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to September 25.
