Drama as Yahaya Bello goes into hiding again

The embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello has gone into hiding again after reporting himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Office on Wednesday.

The development followed the anti-graft agency’s failure to take the wanted Governor into custody on Wednesday night, when they laid siege in the state government’s lodge located in Asokoro in the nation’s capital where Bello was reportedly taking refuge.

Before the sting operation, Mr Bello had claimed he was complying with the EFCC’s summons, adding that he had nothing to conceal.

Meanwhile, sources revealed that the former Governor has gone back to Kogi State Government House, where he had been hiding before his trip to Abuja.

Moreover, after several hours of attempting to arrest him, EFCC operatives expressed frustration at their inability to detain Bello, suggesting that he is being shielded by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

A source in the commission who doesn’t want to be quoted said, “If not for the current governor providing him cover, we would have executed the arrest. We are bound by the law and are cautious about the immunity enjoyed by Governor Ododo.”

The same strategies that allowed Bello to elope arrest previously were reportedly employed again.

Also, an insider from the Kogi government has berated the EFCC’s tactics, claiming that Bello was unfairly targeted despite his cooperation.

Recall that the commission had declared Bello wanted in April for shunning multiple invitations related to investigations into N80.2 billion money laundering scheme.

Tensions rose during a previous attempt to arrest him, which involved armed operatives and backup from police and security services.

Following that incident, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reached out personally to Bello, offering to facilitate his interrogation at EFCC headquarters.

However, Bello declined the offer, claiming concerns about potential media scrutiny.

On Wednesday morning, Bello’s media office issued a statement affirming his respect for legal processes, reaffirming his intention to clear his name.

They stressed that he has consistently cooperated with authorities.

In contrast, the EFCC immediately dismissed claims that he was in their custody, reiterating his status as a wanted individual.

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