Officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday night at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in the Asokoro District of the Federal Capital Territory.
During the encounter, security personnel at the lodge resisted, leading to gunfire. The area has since been cordoned off, with movement restricted to EFCC operatives and other security personnel.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello left the lodge in the company of the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo. Following the incident, normalcy has returned to the area.
This attempt marks another chapter in the ongoing investigation surrounding Yahaya Bello, who has been on the EFCC’s wanted list for allegedly laundering ₦80.2 billion.
Earlier, Bello’s media office, through Director Ohiare Michael, stated that the former governor had honored an EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies. However, the EFCC swiftly denied that Bello was in custody, reaffirming that he remains wanted.
According to the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the custody of the EFCC are incorrect. The Commission confirms that Bello remains wanted for alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering charges, and there is an active warrant for his arrest.”
In a subsequent statement, Ohiare Michael maintained that Bello visited the EFCC office, accompanied by Governor Usman Ododo, but was not interrogated and was allowed to leave.
Bello is currently facing a 19-count charge from the EFCC for alleged money laundering. Despite multiple invitations for questioning and court summons, he has repeatedly failed to appear. His case is set to resume on September 25, 2024, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.