The standoff between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday night when gunfire erupted outside the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend Bello, who is facing allegations of laundering ₦80.2 billion. The tense situation unfolded after the EFCC declared Bello wanted following a 19-count charge related to money laundering.
The arrest attempt, however, was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, leading to a standoff that saw sporadic gunfire. Sources confirmed that Bello managed to leave the lodge, accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. His current whereabouts remain uncertain as of Thursday morning.
In response to the attempted arrest, Bello’s media office, through a statement from his Director of Media, Ohiare Michael, condemned the actions of the EFCC. Michael described the arrest attempt as “Gestapo-like” and criticized the EFCC for escalating tensions, especially after Bello had voluntarily visited their office earlier in the day. According to the statement, Bello had been asked to return at a later date after his initial visit, but the situation escalated unexpectedly later that night.
The statement reads, “Tonight’s attack was needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC earlier. The Commission had no questions for him in the morning, yet they launched this attack in the night. The EFCC must be held accountable if anything happens to him.”
The EFCC has yet to provide official comments on the incident, while tensions continue to simmer around the unresolved legal battle.
