Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello found himself at the center of a dramatic episode as his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, reportedly spirited him away from his Abuja residence, according to sources within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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This move followed a tense standoff between EFCC operatives and Bello’s supporters, who gathered at his residence amidst attempts by the anti-graft agency to arrest him on corruption charges.
The EFCC had cordoned off the area surrounding Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, in an apparent bid to facilitate his arrest and subsequent arraignment on a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Governor Ododo arrived at the scene, prompting cheers from Bello’s supporters.
Subsequently, Ododo left the premises with Bello in tow, throwing into doubt the ex-governor’s impending arraignment.
Adding to the complexity of the situation were conflicting court orders regarding Bello’s arrest.
While a Kogi State High Court ruling from Lokoja restrained the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the agency permission to arrest him in preparation for his arraignment.
Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, when he handed over to Governor Ododo, now finds himself embroiled in legal and political turmoil as the saga unfolds.
