The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has explained why security agencies have yet to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, describing the case as “complicated.”
Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello, who governed Kogi State from May 2015 to May 2023, wanted for an alleged financial crime amounting to N80.2 billion.
On several occasions, the EFCC attempted to detain Bello at his residence. However, his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, reportedly intervened, allowing Bello to escape to his lodge.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Sunday, Onanuga highlighted the challenges in apprehending Bello, pointing to the immunity enjoyed by his successor, Governor Ododo, who is allegedly shielding the former governor.
He explained: “I think it’s a bit complicated. The EFCC, a Federal Government agency, wants to arrest Yahaya Bello, but Bello is taking refuge under the immunity granted to the current governor of Kogi State, his (Bello’s) successor.
“That’s the issue. If Bello remains in Governor Ododo’s residence, the police cannot act, as doing so would breach the immunity Ododo holds.
“It’s similar to diplomatic immunity. If someone is protected by immunity, there’s little that can be done. You may remember when British authorities sought to arrest Julian Assange, who took refuge in an embassy. The authorities couldn’t act until he eventually left the embassy.
“It’s the same here. Ododo’s immunity complicates matters. With Bello allegedly taking shelter there, the police and EFCC face limitations on any possible arrest.”
