AGF Urges Ex-Kogi Governor to Submit to EFCC, Warns Against Obstructing Officers

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called upon the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The AGF’s statement comes in response to the ongoing investigation and the events surrounding the ex-governor’s alleged involvement in financial misconduct.

According to a statement released by the AGF, there has been a noticeable obstruction of the EFCC’s lawful duty in the course of its investigation into the financial dealings of the former governor.

The statement highlights the importance of respecting the rule of law and cooperating with law enforcement agencies when invited for questioning or investigation.

The EFCC has charged Bello with complicity in money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to about N84 billion.

The agency’s efforts to arrest the ex-governor at his Abuja residence were reportedly thwarted by the incumbent governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo.

In light of this, the AGF has made it clear that no one should obstruct the EFCC or any other agency from performing their statutory duties.

He emphasized that fleeing from the law does not resolve the issues at stake and only serves to exacerbate the situation.

The AGF further stated that Nigeria’s judicial system is capable of protecting the rights of all individuals who follow the rule of law and seek legal protection.

The EFCC has issued a stern warning against any further attempts to obstruct its operations, citing the legal consequences for such actions.

Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties, with potential jail terms of not less than five years.

As the situation unfolds, the AGF’s call for compliance with the rule of law and the EFCC’s warning against obstruction of its operations reflect the importance of upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and law enforcement systems.

It remains to be seen how this case will progress and whether the ex-governor will comply with the AGF’s directive to submit himself to the EFCC.