Tensions flared on Wednesday as operatives of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) besieged the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to arrest former governor Yahaya Bello. The dramatic scene, involving gunfire, followed a day of verbal exchanges between Bello’s media team and the EFCC over his earlier visit to the agency’s headquarters.
Ohiare Michael, the director of Bello’s media office, raised the alarm in a statement, accusing EFCC agents of a “Gestapo-like” operation aimed at forcefully detaining the former governor, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in an N80.2 billion fraud. According to Michael, Bello had voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC earlier in the day but was told to leave and return at a later date.
“Despite his voluntary visit, EFCC officials have surrounded the Kogi Government Lodge and are firing gunshots,” Michael stated, warning that the anti-graft agency would be held responsible if any harm befell the former governor. He added, “Tonight’s attack was needless, as the former governor made himself available for questioning earlier today.”
The dispute stems from the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to prosecute Bello on 19 charges of money laundering alongside his nephew and other associates. After failing to arrest him, the EFCC declared the ex-governor wanted in April 2024. The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, reiterated on Wednesday that Bello remained at large despite media reports suggesting otherwise. “Mr. Yahaya Bello is not in our custody and remains wanted,” Oyewale said.
Bello’s legal troubles have persisted since the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered him to surrender for arraignment in August. Yet his media team insists that the former governor has cooperated fully with the EFCC, maintaining that he has “nothing to hide.”
The situation escalated on Wednesday night when EFCC agents reportedly surrounded the government lodge, where Bello was staying. According to Michael, Bello’s earlier visit to the EFCC’s headquarters was in the spirit of transparency, but his team is now accusing the commission of pursuing a political agenda under the guise of fighting corruption.
With the EFCC maintaining its stance and Bello’s camp decrying what they see as political persecution, the standoff adds a new layer of drama to the ongoing saga surrounding one of Nigeria’s most controversial former governors.
