Reports have emerged from SaharaReporters detailing how Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo reportedly leveraged his constitutional immunity to obstruct the arrest of his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

An insider at the EFCC revealed that Bello, who had been declared wanted over serious allegations of money laundering and corruption amounting to ₦80.2 billion, visited the anti-graft agency’s headquarters recently, accompanied by Ododo. Despite the commission’s attempts to detain him, they were unable to proceed due to the intervention of the current governor.

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Previous Allegations and Recent Events

Bello’s visit has stirred controversy, with the EFCC’s spokesperson denying claims that he was in their custody. “The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody,” the spokesperson affirmed, adding that there remains a subsisting warrant for his arrest.

After the visit, EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend Bello at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, but were thwarted once again. This incident follows a similar occurrence in April, where Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape during a previous raid by the EFCC.

Political Pressures and Immunity

The EFCC has been under scrutiny for allegedly bowing to political pressure regarding the handling of Bello’s case. An official from the commission expressed frustration, stating, “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday just like he did the other time. He took him away, and our men could not do anything because of the immunity he (Ododo) is enjoying.”