As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) formally declared the immediate-past Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, wanted, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) urged him to turn himself in, emphasizing that military assistance could be sought if necessary.
In a memo dispatched by an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, D S Umar, acting on behalf of the Comptroller-General, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) underscored Bello's ongoing trial at the Federal High Court Abuja on money laundering and related charges. The memo, addressed to the Directors-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Inspector-General of Police, urged security agencies to apprehend Bello at any point of entry or exit into the country.
Despite Bello's legal team challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja and resisting the acceptance of charges, Fagbemi cautioned against obstructing justice, denouncing the events at Bello's Abuja residence as a "bizarre drama."
EFCC's move to declare Bello wanted ensued after a 12-hour standoff at his Abuja residence. While his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, faced accusations of relocation, Bello's whereabouts remained undisclosed.
The EFCC, in its statement, disclosed that Bello is wanted for alleged economic and financial crimes amounting to N80.2 billion, urging anyone with information on his location to come forward. Emphasizing the court order obtained to arrest Bello, the EFCC assured that he would be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
With EFCC operatives withdrawing from Bello's residence and the agency refraining from any forced entry, the AGF admonished Bello for evading EFCC's summons, advocating for compliance with the law and stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Asserting his commitment to ensuring the effective functioning of state institutions and the protection of individuals' rights, the AGF urged those invited by law enforcement agencies to honor such invitations, emphasizing the role of Nigeria's judicial system in safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
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