Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly stormed the Kogi Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, on the night of Wednesday, September 18, in an attempt to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is facing allegations of involvement in an N80.2 billion fraud case.
According to a statement by Bello’s Director of Media, Ohiare Michael, the EFCC agents were said to be acting aggressively, with reports of sporadic shooting during the operation.
Michael expressed concern over the incident, stating: “It has come to our notice that people suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are currently around the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro, in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello. They were shooting sporadically.”
He emphasized that the former governor had previously made himself available for interrogation at the EFCC’s office earlier in the day, and questioned the need for such a forceful attempt to arrest him later that night. “Tonight’s attack was needless, as the former governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no questions to ask him in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.”
The statement further condemned the EFCC’s actions, hinting at a political motive behind the raid, and urged Nigerians to hold the EFCC accountable if anything happens to Yahaya Bello. The media director concluded by promising to keep the public updated on developments surrounding the incident.
