Onanuga Reveals Why Security Agencies Can’t Apprehend Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has shed light on why security agencies have yet to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, despite the latter being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misconduct involving N80.2 billion.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-economic program aired on Channels Television, Onanuga explained that the complexities surrounding the case stem from the immunity currently enjoyed by Bello’s successor, Governor Usman Ododo, under whose protection Bello has been reportedly sheltering.
Onanuga elaborated that, while the EFCC has made several attempts to apprehend Bello, the agency has encountered roadblocks, with Ododo providing refuge in a manner that impedes federal action. “The EFCC wants to arrest Yahaya Bello, but he is hiding under the ‘agbada’ of the governor of Kogi State, his successor, who enjoys immunity,” he explained. “If Bello remains in Governor Ododo’s residence, the police cannot intervene without violating the immunity the governor enjoys.”
Drawing parallels, Onanuga likened Bello’s situation to that of diplomatic immunity, pointing out that such protections complicate any action against an individual residing with an official who possesses immunity. “It’s akin to a diplomat enjoying certain protections—you can’t act against them. It’s similar to when the Wikileaks founder was sheltered in an embassy in Britain. He was untouchable until he voluntarily left.”
The ex-governor’s refusal to appear in court despite repeated adjournments has only heightened the challenges faced by law enforcement, with no straightforward solution in sight until circumstances change.