Media office: EFCC laid siege to Kogi govt lodge in Abuja to arrest Yahaya Bello

• On April 18, 2024, the EFCC declared Bello wanted over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation to the tune of N80.2 billion.
• The commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts to arrest him proved unsuccessful.

Yahaya Bello’s media office has made a startling claim that EFCC operatives attempted to forcefully arrest the former governor at the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja on Wednesday night.

This allegation comes on the heels of Bello’s voluntary appearance at the EFCC office, where he was reportedly turned back without being interrogated.

According to Bello’s team, he was accompanied by Governor Usman Ododo during his visit to the EFCC office.

However, the EFCC has swiftly denied taking Bello into custody, reaffirming that he remains a wanted individual.

In a statement released by Ohiare Michael, director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, it is alleged that the EFCC operatives engaged in sporadic shooting during the siege.

The statement reads, “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.”

The media office questioned the EFCC’s motives, stating that the former governor had made himself available for interrogation but was instead met with an unexpected attempt to arrest him.

They condemned this action, suggesting it reflects a political agenda rather than a genuine fight against corruption.

The EFCC’s pursuit of Bello stems from allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation totaling N80.2 billion.

The commission had declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, after failed attempts to arrest him.

The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, alleged that Bello withdrew $720,000 from Kogi’s coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance.

A 19-count charge was filed against Bello, but his arraignment was stalled due to his absence. Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, cited safety concerns and unknown whereabouts.

However, on August 20, the court of appeal ordered Bello to surrender himself for arraignment, with the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, hailing the ruling as a vindication of the commission’s stance.