How Yahaya Bello evaded EFCC arrest – Operatives

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello narrowly avoided arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, thanks to the intervention of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

The EFCC had stationed its operatives at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, aiming to arrest Bello, who is facing an investigation over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. Despite their efforts, Ododo reportedly used his position and the immunity granted to sitting governors to facilitate Bello’s escape from custody.

This marks the second instance of such an occurrence, with a similar situation reported in April, when Ododo allegedly helped Bello evade arrest during another EFCC operation.

Following a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters on Wednesday, the commission denied detaining Bello. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Bello was not in their custody, despite claims from Bello’s media team suggesting otherwise.

EFCC officials have expressed frustration over Ododo’s involvement, noting that his immunity as a governor obstructed their efforts to apprehend Bello during both incidents.

One of the officials said, “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday just like he did the other time. He took him away and our men could not do anything because of the immunity he (Ododo) is enjoying.”

Efforts to get the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as calls and message to him on the matter were not answered.

Also, the Director of Bello’s media team, Ohaire Michael’s number, was switched off and he had yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of press time.