How Yahaya Bello evaded arrest — EFCC

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, reportedly evaded arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, with the aid of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

The EFCC had surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja to apprehend Bello, who is wanted in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

Despite their efforts, Governor Ododo allegedly facilitated Bello’s escape, using his immunity as a sitting governor to prevent the arrest.

This incident mirrors a similar episode in April, when Ododo is said to have helped Bello avoid capture during another EFCC operation in Abuja.

Following a visit by both Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters on Wednesday, the commission denied claims that Bello had been taken into custody.

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EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Bello was not detained, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.

EFCC officials noted that Ododo’s governorship immunity once again obstructed their efforts to apprehend Bello. “The Kogi State governor prevented our operatives from doing their work, just as he did last time.

He took Bello away, and our men couldn’t act due to the immunity he enjoys,” one EFCC official revealed.

Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for further comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.

Similarly, Ohaire Michael, Director of Bello’s media team, was unreachable, with his phone switched off and messages unanswered at the time of reporting.