Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has shed light on why security agencies have struggled to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial crimes amounting to N80.2 billion.
In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Inside Sources, Onanuga explained, “The case is a bit complicated. Yahaya Bello is hiding under the agbada (flowing robe) of the governor of Kogi State, his successor, who enjoys immunity.”
He highlighted that this immunity prevents police action within the governor’s residence, making it challenging for the EFCC to execute the arrest.
Since the EFCC declared Bello wanted in April, multiple attempts have been made to apprehend him, often thwarted by the current governor, Usman Ododo, who has reportedly intervened to protect Bello from arrest.
“If he stays inside Governor Ododo’s house, the police cannot do anything because they will be violating that immunity,” Onanuga noted.
He parallels a past international incident involving the WikiLeaks founder, stating, “It’s like a diplomat enjoying certain immunity; you cannot do anything about it.”
The situation remains contentious, as Bello has failed to appear in court despite numerous adjournments. This leaves the EFCC and police in a complex predicament regarding the enforcement of the law.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
