N80.2b Fraud: Why we didn’t interrogate Bello when he came to our office – EFCC

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2024

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello indeed showed up at its office but was not interrogated.

Bello is being wanted by the EFCC over alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

After five months of running, he finally showed up at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, ready for questioning.

The EFCC, however, rejected the method by which he reported to the commission because he was with accompanied by his successor, Usman Ododo and other dignitaries.

According to the anti-graft agency, this method violated its invitation protocol.

Despite Bello’s presence, EFCC did not attend to him.

A source told The Nation: “Upon realising that Bello came with the governor and some dignitaries, the Executive Chairman directed that no official should attend to him.

“His manner of coming to EFCC was a breach of our protocol. No Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, is expected to come for an invitation in a convoy of vehicles and with a sitting governor.

“To the EFCC, he came with grandeur which is contrary to our procedures.

“There are stages of documentation which Bello skipped because he was with the governor who has immunity.

“The EFCC also did not invite the governor. So, what was the basis for accompanying Bello to our headquarters in Abuja?

“We have not been comfortable with the roles of the governor in this case.

“After fulfilling all procedures of documentation, Bello was expected to come with his lawyer(s) and not a governor or Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

“We cannot be intimidated or subject our system to political pollution.

“This made the Executive Chairman of EFCC to direct that no official should attend to Bello. He must undergo due process like every invitee.

“The commission was unhappy with the pre-emptive propaganda in the media by Bello’s team which had created false impressions.

“There was a narration that the ex-governor was already in EFCC’s custody but he’s not here. He’s still being wanted.

“As long as Bello does not conform with our protocol, our operatives will arrest him. We are still looking for him.”

On Wednesday night, EFCC operatives reportedly laid siege to the Kogi Government Lodge, Asokoro in an attempt to arrest Bello, while shooting sporadically.

“We want to place it on record that the EFCC should be held accountable if anything untoward happens to him,” Bello’s media office said.

EID-EL-FITR: IGP DISU FELICITATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL, ORDERS NATIONWIDE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL ASSETS

Published

1 month ago

March 20, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

In furtherance of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment during the festive period, the Inspector-General has directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders across all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory to implement robust security arrangements.
Operational measures include:
Strategic deployment of tactical teams and intelligence operatives.

Deployment of the Special Intervention Squad and conventional police personnel to Eid prayer grounds and critical infrastructure.
Increased presence at highways, motor parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces to ensure peaceful, hitch-free celebrations.

The IGP has also ordered heightened visibility policing, coordinated patrols, enhanced surveillance operations, and intelligence-led stop-and-search duties. These actions are aimed at proactively deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response to any emerging threats.

IGP Disu calls on members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following emergency lines:
08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785, and 09133333786.
IGP Tunji Disu wishes all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
20th March, 2026

EVENTS

Hon Success Opara celebrates Mothering Sunday with St. Peter women, hails them as the ‘neck that controls the household

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Hon Success Opara, former councilorship candidate for Ikenegbu Ward 2, celebrated Mothering Sunday with the women of St. Peter Anglican Church, Ikenegbu, extolling them as the backbone of their households.

He described them as the “neck that controls the household,” acknowledging their vital role in shaping families and communities.

Opara’s gesture is seen as a testament to his commitment to uplifting and empowering women.

The celebration, which coincided with the Christian observance of Mothering Sunday, featured fellowship and words of encouragement from Opara, who prayed for the women’s well-being.

This event highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating mothers and mother figures in Nigerian society.

EVENTS

“Early marriage is better than fornication” – Mixed reactions as young Nigerian couple trends after welcoming a child

Published

2 months ago

March 5, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

A young Nigerian couple are currently trending on Arewa social media circles after they welcomed their first child.

The pictures taken by a Kaduna-based photographer have sparked mixed reactions, with some people saying that the girl is underaged and not old enough to be a wife and mother.