The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is facing legal challenges as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeks to arrest him.
The EFCC, a law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes such as advance fee fraud and money laundering, has been granted a warrant to bring Bello before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The situation escalated when Bello’s attorney, Abdulwahab Muhammed, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), refused to accept the legal documents on behalf of his client, who has been avoiding the EFCC.
During a court session on Thursday, Kemi Pinheiro, also a SAN leading the EFCC’s legal team, stated that the agency is prepared to enforce the arrest warrant against Bello, using force if necessary.
Bello’s tenure as governor, which lasted from January 2016 to January 2024, was allegedly marked by various controversies, including allegations of electoral fraud, incitements to violence, and questionable expenditures.
His political career began with a loss in the All Progressive Congress governorship primary in 2015 but took a turn when he was selected to replace the late Abubakar Audu, who won the election but died on election day.
Bello was later elected to a second term amid reports of violence and fraud.
The EFCC’s move to arrest Bello is part of its mission to eradicate economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, emphasizing that no individual is above the law, and even suggesting the possibility of involving the military to ensure Bello’s appearance in court.
Pinheiro’s statement, “Immunity is only attached to a person and not the building,” underscores the agency’s determination to proceed with the arraignment.
