EFCC operatives laying siege to Kogi Lodge in Abuja
By Victory Oghene
Hours after allowing the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to take his leave without interrogating him on Wednesday, the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have invaded the Kogi State Government Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja to effect the arrest of the former governor.
Like in the first failed attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello, security officials attached to the lodge refused the EFCC officials access into the building, resulting in gunshots.
Sequel to this development, Bello’s aides have raised the alarm, warning that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything happens to him.
A statement from the Director Media, Yahaya Bello office signed by Ohiare Michael, said the action of the EFCC was condemnable.
Entitled “Despite voluntary visit, EFCC officials surround Kogi Government Lodge, Abuja in an attempt to forcefully arrest former Governor Yahaya Bello, fire gunshots, the statement reads:
“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.
“It was reported earlier that the former Governor went to the EFCC Office voluntarily earlier today but the Commission told him to leave and come at a later date, only to mount a gestapo-like attack on the Kogi State Government facility in Asokoro.
“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him.
“Tonight’s attack was needless as the former Governor made himself available to the EFCC in their office for interrogation. The EFCC had no question to ask Alh. Yahaya Bello in the morning, but suddenly, they are out to arrest him.
“This action is condemnable. They have displayed the very reason many Nigerians believe they were fighting political battles instead of the mandate to fight corruption. This action reflects much more than the fight against corruption.
“We will keep Nigerians posted.”
