Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest on Wednesday with the help of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, amid an ongoing N80.2 billion fraud investigation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had surrounded the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello. However, Ododo allegedly used his immunity as a sitting governor to facilitate Bello’s escape. This mirrors a previous incident in April when Ododo similarly aided Bello in evading arrest during another raid.
After both governors visited the EFCC headquarters on Wednesday, the commission denied detaining Bello, contrary to claims made by his media team. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Bello was not in custody.
EFCC officials expressed frustration over their inability to arrest Bello, citing Ododo’s immunity as a key obstacle. One official remarked, “The Kogi State governor prevented us from carrying out the arrest, just as he did last time.”
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale for further comment were unsuccessful. The media team of Bello has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation either.
