The former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly avaded arrest again by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, with the help of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. Bello is currently wanted in connection with an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud case.
The EFCC had set up an operation at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, aiming to apprehend Bello. However, sources claim that Governor Ododo, leveraging the immunity granted to him as a sitting governor, aided Bello’s escape. This marks the second time Ododo has reportedly shielded Bello from the EFCC’s grasp, following a similar incident in April 2024.
Despite the EFCC’s efforts, officials stated that Ododo’s governorship immunity prevented them from carrying out the arrest. An EFCC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday, just like he did the other time. He took him away, and our men could not do anything because of the immunity Ododo enjoys as a sitting governor.”
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Earlier on Wednesday, both Bello and Ododo had visited the EFCC headquarters, but the commission denied detaining the former governor. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Bello was not in custody, despite conflicting claims from Bello’s media team.
Bello’s alleged involvement in a massive ₦80.2 billion fraud case has been under investigation by the EFCC for several months. His continued evasion of arrest has raised concerns about the influence of political immunity in shielding individuals from accountability. The case has sparked public outrage, with citizens calling for stronger actions to combat corruption and ensure justice.
