Gunfire erupted on Wednesday night in Abuja’s Asokoro District when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge. The standoff occurred as security personnel at the lodge resisted the anti-graft agency’s efforts to apprehend Bello.
An altercation quickly ensued between the security operatives guarding the lodge and the armed EFCC officials. According to reports, incumbent Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo successfully whisked Bello away amid the confrontation.
Earlier that day, the EFCC had clarified that Bello was not in its custody, reaffirming that the ex-governor remained wanted on charges of alleged money laundering totaling ₦80.2 billion. Despite claims from Bello’s media office that he and Governor Ododo had voluntarily visited the EFCC office, the agency stated Bello was not interrogated.
Bello was first declared wanted by the EFCC in April for his alleged involvement in financial crimes amounting to ₦80.2 billion. A previous attempt to arrest him at his Wuse residence in Abuja was similarly thwarted, with the former governor reportedly being whisked away by Governor Ododo.
The matter remains in court, but despite numerous adjournments, Bello has yet to appear before the trial judge.
