It’s been a day and night of drama in Abuja surrounding former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Earlier in the day, he surrendered himself to be questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but was allegedly turned back.
● Below is a video of Bello and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, at the EFCC office early on Wednesday:
The commission promptly issued a statement to say Bello was not in its custody, and that he still remained wanted to answer questions on fraud.
But this night, there have been reports of gunshots at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, as agents of the EFCC are said to be trying to effect Bello’s arrest.
Channels Television is reporting that security agents seized its equipment at the scene.
Bello’s spokesman, Ohiare Michael, rushed out a statement in which he said:
“It has come to our notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. They were shooting sporadically.
“It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to the EFCC Office voluntarily earlier today but the Commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount a gestapo-like attack on the Kogi State Government facility in Asokoro.
“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him.
“Tonight’s attack was needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no question to ask Alh. Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.
“This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption. This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption.
Everyday.ng reports the former governor reported to the EFCC to answer questions over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud charges against him.
Recall that there has been a face-off between the anti-graft agency and Bello on the one hand; and agency’s and Bello’ lawyers on the other, for months. Once, when EFCC’s agents moved in to arrest Bello at his Abuja Wuse Zone 4 residence, his successor, Usman Ododo, suddenly arrived and provided security cover for Bello to be whisked away by the sitting state governor.
This decision for Bello to surrender himself,was made on Wednesday after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies, according to a statement.
The statement from Bello’s Media Office, signed by its director, Ohiare Michael, confirmed the honouring of the anti-grafty agency’s invitation.
The statement reads in part; ‘Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later”, the statement said.
