A non-governmental organization, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo to order, over what it termed “obstruction of the statutory functions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) in the bid by the EFCC to arrest and prosecute the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.”
Gatekeepers News reports that the NGO made the appeal through a statement released by the programme director, Kehinde Osifisan on Sunday.
Recall that Yahaya Bello is facing a 19-count before a Federal High Court Abuja, bordering on money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
Yahaya has been evading arrest since his indictment by EFCC, leading to declaring him wanted in Nigeria and abroad.
According to reports; attempts by the anti-graft agency to arrest him e was aborted by Governor Ododo, his predecessor, who went to Yahaya’s lodge in Abuja and helped him escape.
JAC expressed its utter dismay that “Governor Ododo who has sworn to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, could brazenly, unabashedly and persistently shield Yahaya Bello, away from accounting for his activities as Governor of Kogi State for eight years.”
The body further said, “It would be recalled that a valid and subsisting warrant of arrest has earlier being issued against Bello. What is expected of a decent personality, especially a former governor, is to submit to the rule of law and make himself available for interrogation and possible prosecution.
However, ex-governor Bello continues to make himself unavailable to the EFCC, aided and abetted by Governor Ododo.”
“It is very clear and unambiguous that the immunity presently enjoyed by Governor Ododo, does not cover his predecessor who is a fugitive from the law.”
“It is on this note that we are calling on President Tinubu not to watch the disgusting and internationally embarrassing scenario involving Bello and Ododo further, as it portends serious danger for nation.”
“But for the maturity and professionalism of the EFCC, Chairman, Mr Olu Olukoyede, the invasion of the EFCC headquarters by Bello and Ododo on the 19th September, 2024 with the full retinue of the Kogi Governor’s security convey, which included armed mobile policemen, DSS operatives and others, is he situation would have led to casualties, bearing in mind the interagency rivalry among the forces”
“While commending Mr. Olukoyede of EFCC, we urge him not to be discouraged and to ensure he brings to book, not only Yahaya Bello, but all other so-called “scared cows” who have stalled the progress of the nation with unmitigated corruption.”
