Gunfire broke the silence in Abuja last night as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State. The incident occurred near the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, adding to tensions surrounding Bello’s ongoing legal problems.
Sources said the EFCC has been aggressively prosecuting Bello in connection with a N80.2 billion fraud case. Despite previous efforts, including an arrest warrant issued by the Federal Court, Bello has evaded arrest for months, raising public concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in high-profile corruption cases.
Witnesses said EFCC officers surrounded the lodge around midnight, demanding Bello surrender. What was believed to be a routine arrest quickly escalated into chaos. Gunfire was heard, although the exact circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear. Initial reports suggested that the gunfire may have been warning shots fired by officers after encountering resistance or a perceived threat.
In response, Yahaya Bello’s media office condemned the incident as “gestapo-like attack” on the government’s premises, asserting that Bello presented himself to the EFCC earlier in the day and was asked to return later. This account contradicts the usual procedures of the EFCC, which usually involve careful planning and efforts to minimize public disturbance during high-profile arrests.
The EFCC has yet to make an official statement on the shooting, instead focusing on legal proceedings against Bello. The commission seeks to charge him with crimes including money laundering and criminal breach of trust, addressing allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure.
Legal experts highlighted the complexity of the case, noting that Bello’s legal team challenged the validity of the arrest warrant after the charges were filed through his lawyer. The legal move underscores the broader issue of how the law applies to influential political figures in Nigeria, who are often considered above the law due to their connections.
Public reaction was mixed. Some viewed the EFCC’s actions as politically motivated, especially given the timing and circumstances of the arrest. However, others supported the EFCC’s efforts as a necessary step in tackling corruption, calling for a transparent investigation into the events of that night.
