The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a warning that it may resort to military assistance to extract Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, from his undisclosed location.
The EFCC and Bello have been engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase for the past several weeks.
The EFCC made an unsuccessful attempt to apprehend Bello at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday, thwarted by unforeseen external factors. Reports suggest that Bello might be taking refuge in the Kogi State Government House, under the protection of his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, who is shielded by Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The EFCC has been on the trail of Bello, intending to arrest him over accusations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor. Bello was scheduled to appear in court this Thursday, but his absence prevented the planned arraignment.
During Thursday’s court proceedings, EFCC’s Counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court of the commission’s determination to bring Bello to trial, even if it necessitates military involvement.
Pinheiro stated, “We might need to call upon the military to extract Yahaya Bello from his hideout. We might need to employ military force to remove him, as his current location does not grant him immunity. No one is above the law. Immunity only extends to the governor, not those in his vicinity.”
