Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, alias White Lion, former Governor of Kogi State, continues to display his craftiness and penchant for evading the law, as demonstrated in his recent drama at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja.
Known for ruling Kogi State with an iron fist, trampling on the rights of the people and silencing opposition, Bello now faces allegations of money laundering and financial impropriety during his time as governor.
On September 18, 2023, Bello appeared at the EFCC premises in a theatrical fashion, supposedly in response to the commission’s invitation. He arrived in a convoy with the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, by his side—clearly employing Ododo’s immunity as a shield.
Although Bello claimed to have surrendered himself, eyewitnesses report that he never entered the EFCC facility. He stayed in the car park and left shortly after, escorted by Governor Ododo and his security convoy.
This calculated move prompted many to question why the EFCC did not arrest Bello despite declaring him wanted months earlier. According to sources, EFCC operatives attempted to block his exit, but the Kogi State security personnel forcibly removed the barricades and whisked Bello away. A prudent EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reportedly instructed his officials to exercise restraint, avoiding a dangerous standoff that could have escalated into a gunfight.
Bello’s latest antics are part of a broader strategy to evade justice by leveraging Governor Ododo’s immunity. He has previously employed similar tactics to dodge arrest, using the governor’s immunity as a shield while staying at the Kogi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro or the Government House in Lokoja.
The EFCC has filed a 19-count charge against Bello and his associates, including allegations of laundering ₦80.2 billion. Despite repeated court summons and a standing arrest warrant, Bello continues to resist prosecution, making a mockery of the justice system.
Now is the time for the EFCC to demonstrate its resolve. The commission must act decisively within the bounds of the law to ensure that Yahaya Bello faces the allegations against him. Governor Ododo, on his part, must refrain from aiding and abetting a fugitive. Shielding his predecessor from prosecution undermines the rule of law and signals an alarming disregard for justice.
Yahaya Bello must show he is ready to face the charges against him. Dodging or hiding behind immunity will not prevent the law from catching up with him. It is time for him to turn himself in and answer for his actions.
Balogun is a Public Affairs Analyst.
