COURT ORDERS EFCC TO ARREST BELLO

The incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has reportedly whisked away the embattled former Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, from his Abuja residence.

Ododo had stormed the Bello’s Abuja home on Wednesday following a heavy security crackdown by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and other security agencies in a bid to get the former Governor arrested.

Although the reason for the restricted movement in and around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4 could not be ascertained at the moment, it may not be unconnected to the allegation of N84bn money laundering earlier leveled against him.

It was reported that an EFCC official was heard while speaking with his superior on the phone saying Bello was inside Ododo’s car that departed.

Shortly after Ododo departed from Bello’s residence, the EFCC personnel also left the house.

Meanwhile, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday was granted a warrant by a Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State.

The warrant was issued following an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC.

In his ruling on the motion, Justice Emeka Nwite also directed that the former Governor be produced before him today, Thursday, April 18, for arraignment.

He said, “It is hereby ordered as follows:

“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing and/or issuing a warrant for the immediate arrest of the defendant to bring him before this honourable court for arraignment.

“That case is adjourned to the 18th day of April 2024 for arraignment.”

It will be recalled that a Lokoja High Court had earlier  restrained  the EFCC from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the immediate past Governor of Kogi State.