The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning that it may resort to military intervention to extract Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, from his alleged hideout. The EFCC and Bello have been engaged in a cat-and-mouse game for several weeks.
The commission attempted to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence on Wednesday but was thwarted by unspecified external forces. Reports suggest that Bello may be taking refuge in the Kogi State Government House, under the immunity of his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, who is protected by Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The EFCC has been on the hunt for Bello over allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor. Bello was scheduled to be arraigned in court this Thursday, but the proceedings were stalled due to his absence.
During Thursday’s court session, EFCC’s Counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, declared the commission’s determination to bring Bello to court to face his trial, even if it necessitates military involvement. He stated, “We may have to invite the military to move Yahaya Bello out of where he is hiding. We may have to engage the military to force him out because immunity does not cover him where he is hiding. No one is above the law. Immunity covers only the governor and not everyone around him.”
