EFCC Frustrated As Yahaya Bello Goes Back Into Hiding

A dramatic standoff between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello unfolded on Wednesday night. The agency’s attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, ended in failure.

Despite Bello’s public declaration of cooperation and his apparent compliance with the EFCC’s invitation, the agency’s operatives were unable to secure his arrest at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to sources familiar with the matter, Bello has since returned to the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, where he had been previously residing.

The EFCC officials, speaking anonymously, expressed their frustration over the failed operation, attributing it to the immunity enjoyed by Bello’s successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

An EFCC detective, speaking to Daily Trust, revealed that the agency had been cautious about violating the law that grants immunity to the sitting governor. The detective also disclosed that Bello had employed similar tactics to evade arrest in the past.

A Kogi State government official criticized the EFCC’s heavy-handed approach, claiming that Bello had willingly submitted himself to the agency for cooperation. The official alleged that Bello had been rescued from armed EFCC operatives who had fired shots into the air.