Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has shed light on why security agencies have been unable to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial crimes amounting to N80.2 billion.
Onanuga discussed the issue on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television.
Onanuga described the situation as “complicated,” citing that Bello is reportedly being shielded by his successor, current Kogi Governor Usman Ododo. Ododo, who enjoys constitutional immunity as a sitting governor, has provided protection to Bello by allowing him to stay at the governor’s residence, which security forces cannot legally invade.
“The EFCC is an agency of the Federal Government, and it wants to arrest Yahaya Bello,” Onanuga explained. “But if he stays inside Governor Ododo’s house, the police cannot do anything because they would be violating the immunity that the man [Ododo] enjoys.”
He compared the situation to international diplomatic immunity, referencing the case of Julian Assange, who sought asylum in an embassy in the United Kingdom to avoid arrest. The presence of Ododo’s immunity makes it legally challenging for security agencies to access Bello, despite repeated efforts by the EFCC.
The former governor, wanted since April, has avoided court appearances despite several adjournments. The EFCC and police authorities are now reportedly seeking alternative approaches to bring him to justice.