Kogi Governor Visits Bello’s Residence Amidst EFCC Siege

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo made a visit to his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, at his Abuja residence on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, amidst a siege by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The anti-graft agency had recently named Bello in an ongoing corruption case but has yet to formally charge him.

The EFCC’s action comes in the wake of allegations against Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, and his associate, Dauda Suleiman, who are accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi State.

In a newly introduced count, the defendants were also accused of conspiring with Bello to convert the sum of N80.2 billion (N80,246,470,089.88) belonging to the Kogi State Government for personal use.

Governor Ododo’s visit to Bello’s residence followed the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello as part of its ongoing investigation.

However, Bello has stated that the EFCC’s actions are contrary to a court order issued on February 9, 2024, by the Kogi State High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division.

The court order restrained the EFCC from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello until the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

The situation has garnered attention from the public and political circles, as the EFCC’s actions have been perceived as an attempt to hold public officials accountable for their actions.

The outcome of this case and the actions taken by the EFCC and the court will likely have significant implications for the political landscape in Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole.