By Abiola Olawale
Reports emerging on Friday have revealed that Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State allegedly shielded his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, from arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly made another attempt to arrest Bello on Wednesday night.
The EFCC had laid siege at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud case but was unsuccessful.
An insider source privy to the matter said Ododo allegedly used his constitutional immunity to prevent EFCC’s operatives from arresting Yahaya Bello.
The source said despite the operation, Ododo allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest, leveraging the immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.
This followed a similar attempt in April, where Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during another raid in Abuja.
It would be recalled that the EFCC had announced that Yahaya Bello remains at large and that he is being sought after for alleged money laundering involving approximately N80.2 billion.
The EFCC had declared Bello wanted for financial crimes totalling about N80.2 billion. Despite several court adjournments, Bello is yet to appear before the trial judge.
