EFCC: Yahaya Bello, 2 others plead not guilty to criminal charges
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
The EFCC had laid siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud case.
Despite the operation, Ododo allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest, leveraging the immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.
The incident follows a similar attempt in April, where Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during another raid in Abuja.
On Wednesday, after a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, the commission denied having Bello in custody.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that Bello was not detained, despite claims by Bello’s media team that he had visited the agency.
EFCC officials indicated that Ododo’s actions prevented them from arresting Bello, stating that his governorship immunity hindered the operatives from taking further action.
Speaking on what transpired on Wednesday, EFCC officials said Ododo helped Bello to escape again just like in April.
One of the officials 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 he (Ododo) is enjoying.”
Efforts to get the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as calls and message to him on the matter were not answered.
Also, the Director of Bello’s media team, Ohaire Michael’s number, was switched off and he had yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of press time.
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