Tension escalated on Wednesday night as gunshots rang out at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory, during an attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Eyewitnesses reported that the chaotic scene unfolded as EFCC operatives tried to apprehend Bello, who had earlier presented himself at the commission’s office but was turned away due to the presence of Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo.
In a statement released by Bello’s media office on Thursday morning, it was claimed that EFCC agents attempted to forcefully take the former governor into custody, blocking access to the lodge and firing shots into the air.
However, sources within the EFCC who spoke with The Cable countered this narrative, alleging that Governor Ododo’s security team initiated the gunfire upon seeing the commission’s vehicle.
An EFCC insider remarked, “EFCC operatives responded in kind,” indicating that the situation quickly escalated into a tense standoff.
Amid the turmoil, reports indicate that Bello managed to slip out of the lodge and left Abuja, effectively evading the EFCC’s efforts once again.
This incident follows a series of attempts by the EFCC to apprehend Bello, who is facing allegations of financial misconduct amounting to ₦80.2 billion.
