EFCC storms Yahaya Bello's residence in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reportedly stormed the residence of former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, located in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

The EFCC operatives were spotted laying siege at the ex-governor’s home, although it is unknown the reason for their presence at Bello’s home.

It was earlier reported that the anti-graft agency had dragged Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali, one Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following a charge in March over an alleged N84bn money laundering.

The agency in a 17-count amended charge, accused Yahaya Bello of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N84,062,406,089.88.

In a statement, the ex-governor’s media office condemned the siege and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

It also accused the commission of plotting to embarrass and harass the former governor with allegations dating back to 2015 before he assumed office as governor of Kogi state.

The statement read, “The EFCC was duly served with that order on February 12, 2024, and on February 26, 2024, the EFCC filed an appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said order to the Court of Appeal Abuja Division. The appeal was accompanied by a Motion for a Stay of Execution of the order of the High Court, which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till April 22, 2024.

“Furthermore, judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC will be delivered at 12 noon today in Lokoja.

“Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello, seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.

“We are aware of the total commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s current administration to the rule of law and can say categorically that the EFCC leadership might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert it to their score-settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.”