SPEAKING ABOUT GOV. ODODO’S PROTECTION OF YAHAYA BELLO FROM ARREST, THE KOGI COMMISSIONER

Babatunji Wusu –

The governor, Usman Ododo, has angrily denied any involvement in his predecessor Yahaya Bello’s escape from an attempted arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Kingsley Fanwo is the Kogi State Commissioner for Information.
The rejection follows a tense standoff at Bello’s home in Abuja during which EFCC agents conducted an operation.

Fanwo confirmed that Governor Ododo, who was on the scene, did not help Bello avoid the law enforcement agents in a recent interview with Channels TV.

The commissioner underlined Governor Ododo’s dedication to respecting the nation’s legal system and laws.

Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives,” Fanwo stated, addressing the controversy surrounding the incident.

The situation escalated when, after several hours of siege, Governor Ododo was seen leaving Bello’s residence, leading to speculation that Bello had sneaked out with him.

This incident prompted the EFCC officials at the gate to discharge a volley of shots. However, Fanwo rejected these claims, describing them as “baseless” and the product of an organized disinformation campaign.

Fanwo further argued that the former governor is not attempting to avoid arrest, citing a state high court injunction that protects Alhaji Yahaya Bello from harassment by the anti-graft agency.

The commissioner criticized the EFCC’s actions and questioned the agency’s certainty about Bello’s whereabouts.

“Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he added, reinforcing the stance that both the current and former governors respect the rule of law and the Constitution of Nigeria.