In a recent development, operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a raid on the Abuja residence of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, situated in Wuse Zone 4 of the Federal Capital Territory. Images captured during the raid depict armed EFCC personnel surrounding the ex-governor’s home on Benghazi Street in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

At the time of reporting, the motive behind the raid remains unconfirmed as EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident. However, it follows the EFCC’s amended charge against Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali, Dauda Sulaiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in March 2024, over alleged N84bn money laundering.

Responding to the raid, Yahaya Bello’s media office issued a statement condemning the EFCC’s actions and calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. The statement cited a court injunction issued on February 9, 2024, by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, which restrained the EFCC from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello pending the determination of a fundamental rights enforcement action.

The statement highlighted the EFCC’s appeal against the court order and a pending motion for a stay of execution, scheduled for hearing on April 22, 2024, at the Court of Appeal Abuja Division. The media office accused the EFCC of disregarding the court order by besieging Bello’s residence.

Furthermore, the media office alleged that the EFCC’s pursuit of Bello was based on spurious allegations dating back to September 2015, predating his assumption of office. The anti-graft agency’s amended charge accuses Bello of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N84,062,406,089.88, with the former governor purportedly at large.

Prior to this charge, the EFCC had arraigned Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, for alleged money laundering involving N10 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government. However, the state government dismissed the charges as “ridiculous” and “laughable,” emphasizing the former governor’s inability to access or misappropriate state funds during the specified period.

In light of these developments, the media office criticized the EFCC’s actions, alleging a deviation from the rule of law and integrity, while urging President Tinubu to intervene.