Kogi State Indigenes Rally in Support of Former Governor Amidst EFCC Siege »

Thousands of Kogi State indigenes have gathered outside the residence of the immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello to protest the ongoing siege by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The scene unfolded as scores of supporters, carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “we love Yahaya Bello,” “No money is missing in Kogi”, “Yahaya Bello Mr Infrastructure, Mr Security” etc, converged outside the ex-governor’s home in Abuja to express their unwavering support.

Amidst heightened tensions, the demonstrators vehemently denounced what they described as a politically motivated onslaught against their former leader. Many voiced concerns that the EFCC’s actions were unjust and aimed at undermining the integrity of their beloved statesman.

Speaking to reporters, one protester, Michael Ugbane emphasized, “Our former governor is a man of integrity who tirelessly worked for the development of our state. This unwarranted harassment by the EFCC is a clear attempt to discredit his legacy and tarnish his reputation.”

The atmosphere outside the residence remained charged with emotion as the crowd continued to swell, with more individuals joining the demonstration throughout the day. Despite heavy security presence, the protesters remained resolute in their stance, calling for an end to what they deemed as harassment and intimidation tactics by the anti-corruption agency.

Meanwhile, the media office of the former Governor has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to order over siege in the Abuja home of Bello.

A press statement by the Media Office stated that the action of the EFCC is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

It said the EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.

“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.

“We’re aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.

“A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy,” the statement added.

The EFCC, however, has yet to release an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the ongoing siege.