Legal practitioners and human rights activists have raised concerns over the lack of cooperation among Nigerian law enforcement agencies, particularly in the case of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seeking to arrest Bello on allegations of public fund diversion, but their efforts have been hampered by apparent protection from other security agencies.
Lawyers argue that poor cooperation between the EFCC, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) is hindering anti-corruption efforts.
They emphasised that Bello, as a former governor, does not have immunity from arrest or prosecution.
Legal expert Adeyemi Sulaimon suggests that the Inspector General of Police and DSS director should instruct their personnel not to obstruct EFCC’s arrest attempts.
Human rights activist Gedion Okebu states that evading arrest is a crime and that law enforcement is empowered to use reasonable force if obstructed.
Concerns are raised about Kogi State officials potentially harboring a wanted individual, which Okebu describes as an “aberration.”
Expert Opinions:
Adeyemi Sulaimon: “If we do all this [improve inter-agency cooperation], the country’s resources will be saved and can be useful for other things.”
Gedion Okebu: “The Rule of law must prevail, and the Rule of law should not be open for politicking.”
The legal experts argue that better synergy between law enforcement agencies is crucial for combating corruption and ensuring that no one, regardless of their former position, is above the law.
