Yahaya Bello: CSOs Describes Invasion of Kogi Governor's Lodge as Assassination Attempt, Coup Plot »

A coalition of sixty Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the banner of Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Defence of Democracy, has condemned the recent invasion of the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, describing it as an assassination attempt, a coup plot, and a desecration of government authority. The group voiced these concerns during a press conference, calling the actions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a violation of civil liberties.

The coalition through her Convener, Oluwasegun Emmanuel, alongside Secretary, Oguche Benjamin expressed deep concerns over the conduct of the EFCC, particularly in its handling of the case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. They recalled how the EFCC had declared Bello wanted without prior invitation or official notice, leading to what they described as “illegality” when the commission secured an arrest warrant from Justice Emeka Nwite. The CSOs pointed out the inconsistency of the EFCC’s actions, noting that the same judge had previously ruled against the commission in a similar case involving an Ekiti State official.

The group further revealed that on September 18, Yahaya Bello voluntarily submitted himself to the EFCC, only to be released without interrogation. However, just hours later, the EFCC allegedly mobilized a team to invade the Governor’s Lodge in an attempt to arrest Bello. The coalition claims this move was a deliberate attempt to assassinate the former governor and overthrow the government of Kogi State.

Describing the invasion as an attack on a symbol of governmental authority, the CSOs accused the EFCC of employing “mercenaries” who fired live bullets during the raid. They labeled the actions as a gross violation of human rights and civil liberties, expressing their shock at the EFCC’s tactics in its anti-corruption crusade.

The coalition demanded explanations from the EFCC on why Yahaya Bello, who had voluntarily turned himself in, was released only for the agency to raid his residence hours later. They expressed concerns over the former governor’s current whereabouts, stating that his family and supporters are now in a state of panic, with no information regarding his safety.

In their statement, the coalition called for the immediate resignation of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, whom they accused of pursuing a “sinister agenda” and eroding the commission’s credibility. Additionally, they demanded a probe into the incident by relevant National Assembly committees and urged Justice Emeka Nwite to recuse himself from the case.

The coalition stressed that due process and human rights must be upheld, warning that the EFCC’s actions threaten the nation’s democratic principles.