The drama surrounding the embattled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, took a surprising turn as he was reportedly taken into custody by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, amidst an ongoing siege by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his Abuja residence.
A reliable source within the EFCC, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development to Channels Television, revealing that Bello was escorted away from his residence by Governor Ododo.
Earlier in the day, the EFCC had deployed operatives to surround Bello’s residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with intentions to effect his arrest and arraignment on corruption charges the following day.
As tension mounted around Bello’s residence, Governor Ododo arrived at the scene, greeted by cheers from supporters of the former governor.
Subsequently, Ododo left the premises, with Bello reportedly in tow, according to the EFCC.
The sudden turn of events casts uncertainty over Bello’s anticipated arraignment on a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Adding to the legal complexity, conflicting court orders emerged regarding Bello’s arrest.
One of the rulings, which came from a Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja, restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining or prosecuting Bello.
Justice I.A Jamil, who gave the order in a two-hour ruling on Wednesday, said that infringing on the fundamental human rights of the former Kogi is null and void except as authorised by the Court.
“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant except as authorised by the Court.
“This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given,” he said.
The EFCC, however, obtained permission from the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to arrest the ex-Kogi State governor in preparation to his arraignment on Thursday.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the warrant this afternoon at the instance of the EFCC.
Bello’s tenure as governor, which spanned from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, ended with his handover to Governor Ododo.
