Efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apprehend former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, at his Abuja home faced resistance as officers of the Nigeria Police Force and armed men dressed in black with the inscription “Special Forces” prevented EFCC operatives from entering the premises.
The attempted arrest occurred at Bello’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, around 9:30 am on Wednesday. Despite the EFCC’s presence, they were stopped by policemen and armed individuals guarding the ex-governor.
Earlier, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, visited Bello’s home amidst heavy security, accompanied by several security operatives and protesting youth supporters.
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The scene at Bello’s residence featured a significant presence of armed EFCC personnel, police officers, operatives from the Department of State Security, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Bello’s private security team.
Photographs showed armed EFCC personnel surrounding the ex-governor’s residence on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
As of press time, the reason behind the siege on Bello’s home remained unconfirmed. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, did not respond to inquiries regarding the situation.
However, the EFCC previously charged Yahaya Bello, along with others, with alleged money laundering amounting to N84 billion. Bello’s media office condemned the EFCC’s actions, citing a court injunction restraining the agency from harassing or arresting him pending a court ruling.
The media office accused the EFCC of plotting to harass Bello with spurious allegations, including charges dating back to September 2015, before his assumption of office as governor.
The state government also criticized the EFCC’s actions, describing them as “ridiculous” and “laughable,” emphasizing the agency’s alleged deviation from its anti-corruption mandate.
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