EFCC Launches Fresh Effort to Arrest Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a new attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State. According to Ohiare Michael, the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, EFCC operatives have surrounded the Kogi Government Lodge in Abuja with the intent to capture the ex-governor. This move comes as a shock following earlier reports that Yahaya Bello had voluntarily visited the EFCC office earlier in the day but was asked to return at a later date.

The incident, described by Michael as a “gestapo-like” action, has raised concerns about the nature and motive behind the commission’s actions. Reports indicate that the EFCC operatives were seen firing sporadically around the premises, which has further fueled speculations that the commission may be operating beyond its legal bounds.

EFCC Allegedly Uses Force in Attempted Arrest

Reports have surfaced that the EFCC operatives surrounding the Kogi Government Lodge employed aggressive measures in their pursuit of Yahaya Bello. According to eyewitness accounts, the operatives were seen shooting sporadically around the Asokoro area in Abuja, creating panic and unrest. The use of firearms has drawn sharp criticism from Yahaya Bello’s camp, who allege that the EFCC’s methods resemble a military raid rather than a lawful arrest.

Ohiare Michael, the spokesperson for the former governor, has strongly condemned the tactics used by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He questioned why the commission, which had dismissed Yahaya Bello earlier in the day, would resort to such an extreme approach just hours later. He labeled the action as an unwarranted show of force, urging the public to question the true intent behind the EFCC’s operations.

Yahaya Bello’s Legal Voluntary Cooperation Disregarded

The events surrounding Yahaya Bello’s voluntary appearance at the EFCC office earlier in the day have raised questions about the commission’s decision to launch a fresh arrest effort. According to Ohiare Michael, the former governor presented himself at the EFCC’s office willingly, prepared to respond to any inquiries. However, after a brief interaction, he was told to leave and return at a later time. This development has fueled accusations that the EFCC’s later actions are politically motivated rather than genuinely aimed at investigating corruption allegations.

Yahaya Bello’s media team has highlighted this contradiction, calling the EFCC’s actions “needless.” By appearing voluntarily, Bello demonstrated his willingness to cooperate with the commission, which further raises doubts about why the EFCC would engage in a forceful arrest attempt just hours later. This has led to growing suspicions that the EFCC’s actions may be tied to broader political interests.

Accusations of Political Motivation in EFCC’s Actions

The attempted arrest of Yahaya Bello has sparked a wider debate on the role of the EFCC in Nigerian politics. Critics, including Ohiare Michael, have accused the commission of being influenced by political motivations, claiming that its actions appear to be more about power dynamics than corruption-fighting. By surrounding the Kogi Government Lodge and allegedly using excessive force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s credibility as an impartial anti-corruption body has been called into question.

According to Bello’s camp, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s approach in this case underscores the belief that the commission is increasingly being used as a tool for political retribution. They argue that the timing and manner of the attempted arrest suggest ulterior motives aimed at undermining Yahaya Bello, who continues to be a significant political figure even after leaving office. These accusations, if substantiated, could have far-reaching implications for the reputation and legitimacy of the EFCC.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Silence Sparks Public Outcry and Speculation

In the wake of the attempted arrest, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has yet to issue an official statement clarifying its actions, which has only added to the public outcry. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration, demanding transparency from the commission. The sporadic gunfire and the surrounding of the Kogi Government Lodge have raised fears of escalating violence, and many are questioning the EFCC’s adherence to due process.

The lack of communication from the EFCC has further fueled speculation about the nature of its operation. Some legal experts argue that the commission’s actions may be illegal if they failed to follow proper arrest protocols. Others have raised concerns about the precedent this sets for how future anti-corruption investigations may be conducted in the country.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency Mount

As the situation continues to unfold, there are growing calls for the EFCC to be held accountable for its actions during the attempted arrest of Yahaya Bello. The former governor’s media office has emphasized that the commission should be responsible if any harm befalls Bello during this period of uncertainty. The public is also urging the EFCC to adhere to legal standards and avoid what many see as excessive and politically charged behavior.

Ohiare Michael has called for Nigerians to remain vigilant as the situation develops, insisting that they will continue to provide updates on the issue. He reiterated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should focus on its primary mandate of combating corruption rather than engaging in actions that could be perceived as political vendettas. The mounting public pressure may force the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to clarify its position and the rationale behind its sudden escalation of efforts to arrest Yahaya Bello.