According to reports, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo of using his constitutional immunity to shield his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, from arrest.
The EFCC had issued a warrant for Bello’s arrest on allegations of money laundering and corruption amounting to N80.2 billion. When Bello finally visited the commission’s headquarters, accompanied by Governor Ododo, the EFCC faced pressure to release him.
While the EFCC initially denied that Bello was in custody, reports later emerged of the agency laying siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend him. However, Ododo’s alleged use of his immunity prevented the arrest.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar incident in April when Ododo reportedly helped Bello evade arrest during another EFCC raid. The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that Bello was not detained, despite claims from Bello’s media team.
EFCC officials attributed the failure to arrest Bello to Ododo’s gubernatorial immunity, which prevented operatives from taking action.
A source quoted by PUNCH Newspaper stated: “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday just like he did the other time. He took him away and our men could not do anything because of the immunity he (Ododo) is enjoying.”
