The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly barricaded the residence of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in Wuse, Abuja.
This development comes in the wake of a recent meeting between the former governor and President Bola Tinubu at the State House.
News About Nigeria reports that the EFCC operatives have cordoned off the access road leading to Bello’s house located on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, causing a halt in movement in the area.
A source shared photographs showing the heavy presence of EFCC personnel surrounding the premises.
While the exact reason for the EFCC’s siege on Bello’s residence remains undisclosed, it is speculated to be connected with the ongoing N84 billion fraud case against him.
The former governor is facing charges of financial fraud amounting to N84 billion, with the EFCC accusing him of diverting state funds shortly before assuming office in 2015.
In response to the EFCC’s actions, Bello’s media office issued a statement condemning the siege, alleging that it violated a court order restraining the commission from harassing or prosecuting him.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and uphold the rule of law.
It’s worth noting that the EFCC had previously arraigned Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering involving N10 billion belonging to the state government.
However, the Kogi State Government has vehemently criticised the charges, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.
In a statement issued earlier this year, the state government accused the EFCC of being influenced by individuals with ulterior motives, contrary to President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to combating corruption in Nigeria.
