EFCC finds itself at a crossroads as Yahaya Bello goes into hiding again, complicating ongoing investigations. Discover the latest updates on this case.
The drama involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, on Wednesday has not yet found a home.
Bello was allegedly hiding in the state government lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, but EFCC agents reportedly surrounded the building without being able to capture him.
Bello had said he was following the EFCC’s summons and that he had nothing to hide before the operation.
But according to sources, he has now made his way back to the Kogi State Government House, where he was hiding prior to his journey to Abuja.
Officials from the EFCC voiced dissatisfaction at not being able to apprehend the former governor after several hours of trying, speculating that he might be shielded by Governor Usman Ododo, his successor.
“We would have executed the arrest if it weren’t for the current governor giving him cover,” an unnamed EFCC source disclosed. We take legal obligations seriously and are wary about Governor Ododo’s immunity.
It is said that Bello used the same tactics that let him escape capture earlier.
Bello was unfairly targeted, according to an insider from the Kogi government, who questioned the EFCC’s actions despite Bello’s cooperation.
Bello was listed as wanted by the EFCC in April after he allegedly ignored several invitations about inquiries into a fictitious N80.2 billion money laundering scam.
A prior attempt to apprehend him, including armed operators and assistance from police and security agencies, resulted in an increase in tensions.
Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the EFCC, personally contacted Bello after the event and offered to help with his questioning at the EFCC headquarters. Bello, however, turned down the invitation, citing worries about possible media attention.
Bello’s media team sent a statement on Wednesday morning stating that he intends to clear his name and reaffirming his respect for the legal system. They stressed how well he has consistently complied with the law.
On the other hand, the EFCC quickly denied any reports that he was in their custody and reiterated that he was still wanted.
Though specifics are yet unknown, EFCC internal conversations suggest that they are reassessing their tactics to get him arrested.
The EFCC seems committed to pursuing its probe into the former governor’s purported financial misbehavior as this situation develops.
Peoplesmind
