Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clashed with security personnel at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on Wednesday night. This happened while personnel of the anti-graft agency attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
A video shared by Channels TV showed parts of the chaotic scene, with gun shots fired severally. It is alleged that current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, helped whisk Bello away from the scene before he could be arrested.
It will be recalled that earlier in the day, the EFCC reaffirmed that Yahaya Bello was wanted on charges related to N80.2 billion in money laundering, dismissing claims that he was in their custody. However, Bello’s media office stated that he had visited the EFCC with Governor Ododo but was not interrogated.
Bello’s media office later accused the EFCC of laying siege to the lodge and attempting to forcefully arrest him. The media office added that the EFCC fired shots during the standoff, although no injuries were reported.
The statement reads: “It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to the EFCC Office voluntarily, but the commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount an attack on the Kogi 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 Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.”
This incident comes months after the EFCC declared Bello wanted in April, following failed attempts to bring him in for questioning. The case against him involves allegations of fraud, including using public funds for personal expenses. Despite court rulings ordering his appearance, the former governor has yet to attend any hearings.
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