FG frowns at Ododo's interference in EFCC's attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello

Guardian NG Apr 18, 2024

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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) laid siege on the Abuja home of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and others to honour the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fagbemi also hit out at Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for obstructing the EFCC from arresting his successor, Bello on Wednesday.

The AGF in a statement on Thursday called on anybody invited by the EFCC for questioning to honour the invitation of the anti-graft agency instead of trying to escape.

Fagbemi further said that the EFCC should not be obstructed from carrying out its lawful duties in the society.

A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting, Fagbemi said.

A flight from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.

I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call the EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies.

“However, I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.

The AGF who doubles as the Minister of Justice further described the whole incident as a bizarre drama.

He added that it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status.

Fagbemi said therefore, the least anyone can do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of the EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.

“A situation where a public official protected by law enforcement agents would obstruct civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is highly condemned,” the AGF said.

Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.

I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility.

“That is by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.

Kogi State governor, Ododo reportedly moved his predecessor out after EFCC operatives besieged Bellos Abuja residence on Wednesday.

The EFCC operatives had earlier restricted movement in and around Bellos house situated on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4.

In a video posted on social media, an EFCC official told a superior on the phone that Bello was inside Ododos car that departed the Abuja building.

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