Police stop EFCC’s attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello at Abuja home

Police officers have successfully prevented armed agents from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from apprehending former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, at his residence in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The clash occurred when EFCC agents initiated a siege at Bello’s apartment in an attempt to arrest him on corruption allegations.

Supporters of Bello, along with police officers assigned to his security detail, gathered at the scene to protest the EFCC’s actions, resulting in escalating tensions between the two law enforcement agencies.

Bello is currently under investigation by the EFCC for alleged misappropriation of public funds worth billions of Naira.

Despite securing an interim injunction prohibiting the EFCC from taking any action against him until a substantive court hearing, the EFCC persisted in its attempts to arrest him.

The siege at Bello’s residence began following his visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

EFCC agents cordoned off the area surrounding Bello’s home, restricting movement in and out of the premises.

The reason for the EFCC’s raid remains unclear, but it is believed to be linked to the ongoing ₦84 billion fraud case against Bello.

The EFCC alleges that Bello diverted ₦80 billion in state funds in September 2015, just months before assuming office.

Meanwhile, Bello’s media office has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the EFCC’s actions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the media office criticized the EFCC for disregarding a court injunction restraining them from harassing or arresting Bello.

The standoff at Bello’s residence underscores the challenges and complexities of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, as legal proceedings continue and the outcome of the EFCC’s attempts to arrest Bello remains uncertain.