The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is locked in a tense standoff with Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State. The EFCC is determined to arrest Bello and bring him before the Federal High Court in Abuja to face charges of alleged financial crimes.
The drama unfolded yesterday when EFCC operatives arrived at Bello’s residence to execute an arrest warrant. However, according to reports, the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, intervened and whisked Bello away, raising questions about a potential attempt to shield the former governor from justice.
This move comes after Bello’s lawyer strategically refused to accept the charges on his client’s behalf, suggesting Bello might be avoiding legal proceedings. The EFCC, however, remains undeterred. Their team of lawyers, led by the esteemed Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kemi Pinheiro, made a bold statement in court, declaring they will use any means necessary, even military force, to secure Bello’s arrest.
Pinheiro emphasized that immunity from prosecution only applies to a person, not their residence. He further cited the law, highlighting Section 284 which grants authorities the power to breach walls if necessary to apprehend a fleeing defendant.
He said, “We have to arraign him in court even if we have to use the military. Immunity is only attached to a person and not the building.
“The law allows to break down walls to arrest an evading defendant. Section 284 says all persons are to obey the service of charge.”
Can Governor Ododo’s intervention protect Yahaya Bello from facing the music? Will the EFCC resort to forceful measures to secure his arrest? These are the questions gripping Nigerians as they watch this high-stakes legal battle unfold.
This situation has ignited public discourse. Many Nigerians are eager to see whether the justice system will prevail, regardless of Bello’s former position. The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this dramatic saga.
