Armed men, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and individuals clad in “Special Forces” attire, have obstructed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives from apprehending former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, at his residence in Abuja. The standoff occurred when EFCC personnel attempted to enter Bello’s home on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, on Wednesday morning.
Despite the EFCC’s efforts, they were prevented from accessing the premises by a combination of police officers and armed men guarding the ex-governor. Earlier, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, visited Bello amid heavy security measures at his Abuja residence. Ododo’s visit was accompanied by a significant security presence and supporters protesting against the siege on Bello’s home.
Various law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, police, Department of State Security, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Bello’s private security team, were observed stationed around the residence.
The reason for the siege on Bello’s home remains unconfirmed, as EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale did not respond to inquiries. However, the EFCC had previously charged 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 issued in his favor, which restrained the EFCC from harassing or prosecuting him pending the outcome of a legal case. The media office accused the EFCC of disobeying the court order and suggested political motives behind the agency’s actions.
Additionally, the media office alleged that the EFCC was attempting to tarnish Bello’s reputation with baseless allegations, including those dating back to before his tenure as governor. The state government also criticized the EFCC, describing the charges as ridiculous and questioning the agency’s commitment to combating corruption.
