The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a warrant of arrest for former Governor Yahaya Bello from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This authorization came on Wednesday, as Justice Emeka Nwite permitted the anti-graft body to proceed with the arrest ahead of Bello’s scheduled arraignment on Thursday, as reported by Peoples Gazette.
The decision follows a previous order from the Lokoja Division of the Kogi High Court that restrained the EFCC from arresting the ex-governor, safeguarding his fundamental human rights.
Despite this, EFCC operatives surrounded Bello’s residence in Abuja, leading to a prolonged standoff. The situation escalated when Bello, resisting arrest, and was reportedly extracted from the scene by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, who allegedly used his official convoy to facilitate Bello’s escape.
Adding to the complexity, Mr. Bello had sought intervention from President Bola Tinubu, urging him to instruct the EFCC to respect the restraining order and halt any attempts at his arrest pending the outcome of his ongoing legal challenge on fundamental rights grounds.
