By Milcah Tanimu
The drama surrounding former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) escalates as he continues to evade arrest. Late Wednesday night, EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend Bello at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, but he managed to slip away. The ex-governor is wanted for alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion.
Despite initially agreeing to cooperate with the EFCC, sources reveal that Bello received assistance from his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, which complicated the arrest efforts. An EFCC detective stated, “If not for his successor providing cover, we would have arrested him by now.”
Bello’s evasion tactics mirror a previous escape in April, where he successfully avoided capture. After claiming to honor the EFCC’s summons, he reportedly hid in Governor Ododo’s convoy during the attempted arrest. The EFCC, under Chairman Ola Olukoyede, is proceeding cautiously due to the legal ramifications of the governor’s immunity.
The situation deepened with allegations that Bello transferred $720,000 in government funds for his children’s school fees abroad before leaving office. His legal team has consistently denied these claims, asserting his innocence and cooperation with investigations.
As the EFCC pursues Bello amid ongoing corruption and money laundering allegations, the agency is reportedly revising its strategies for apprehension. However, the specifics of these new tactics remain undisclosed. The outcome of this high-profile case raises significant questions about accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.
