The continued freedom of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, despite being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial crimes, remains a source of contention.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has shed light on the legal complexities preventing security agencies from aiding the EFCC in apprehending the former governor.
Onanuga, who discussed the issue during the Sunday edition of Inside Sources on Channels Television, explained that the legal immunity enjoyed by Bello’s successor, Governor Usman Ododo, has created a barrier to his arrest.
“The EFCC is an agency of the Federal Government, and it wants to arrest Yahaya Bello.
However, Bello is hiding under the agbada (flowing robe) of the governor of Kogi State, his successor, who happens to enjoy immunity,” Onanuga remarked.
The EFCC declared Bello wanted in April for an alleged financial misappropriation of N80.2 billion during his tenure as governor from May 2015 to May 2023.
Attempts by the anti-graft agency to detain Bello have been thwarted, with Ododo reportedly whisking him away to a secured location on multiple occasions.
Under Nigerian law, a sitting governor holds immunity from prosecution, complicating law enforcement actions involving state executives.
Onanuga elaborated, “If he (Bello) stays inside Governor Ododo’s house, the police cannot do anything because they would be violating the immunity that the governor enjoys.
It’s akin to a diplomat’s immunity; you can’t do anything about it.”
Drawing a parallel, Onanuga compared the situation to the Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s years-long sanctuary in an embassy in the UK, which limited British law enforcement’s reach.
Bello’s legal entanglements have been ongoing, with the matter brought before the courts; however, he has failed to make any appearances, leading to multiple adjournments.
Despite public outcry, the inability of security agencies to act has underscored the tension between anti-corruption efforts and constitutional immunities granted to public office holders.
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