Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has stated that security agencies have not yet arrested the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, due to the “complicated” nature of the case.
Onanuga shared this during his appearance on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-economic programme aired on Channels Television.
In April, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello, who served as Kogi governor from May 2015 to May 2023, wanted for alleged financial crimes amounting to N80.2 billion.
The EFCC has made several attempts to arrest Bello at his residence; however, his successor, Usman Ododo, has reportedly intervened, taking him to his lodge for protection.
Although the case remains in court, the former governor has yet to appear before the trial judge despite numerous adjournments.
When asked why the police cannot order Ododo’s security detail to arrest Bello, Onanuga responded, “I think it’s a bit complicated. The EFCC is a Federal Government agency and wants to apprehend Yahaya Bello. But Yahaya Bello is effectively hiding under the agbada (traditional robe) of the Kogi State Governor, his successor, who enjoys immunity.
“That’s the issue – if Bello remains within Governor Ododo’s residence, the police are unable to act as they would be violating the immunity enjoyed by the governor.
“It’s similar to diplomatic immunity; you cannot interfere. Think back to the UK, when Wikileaks’ Julian Assange took refuge in an embassy in London. Security agents were powerless to act until he left the embassy on his own.
“It’s a similar situation here. Ododo enjoys immunity, and it’s believed that Yahaya Bello is hiding there. The EFCC cannot just storm the premises to arrest him, and the police are unable to assist.”