Onanuga Explains Why Security Agencies Haven’t Arrested Kogi’s Yahaya Bello Amid Allegations

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has provided insight into why security agencies have not yet apprehended the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

During an interview on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels Television, Onanuga attributed the difficulty in arresting Bello to the “complicated” nature of the situation.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Bello wanted for allegedly embezzling N80.2 billion.

The anti-graft agency has attempted to arrest him multiple times, often leading to interventions by his successor, Usman Ododo, who has reportedly assisted Bello in evading capture by taking him to his lodge.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Bello has failed to appear before the trial judge, even after numerous adjournments.

When questioned about why the police can’t instruct Ododo’s security detail to arrest Bello, Onanuga explained: “It’s a bit complicated. The EFCC is a federal agency seeking to apprehend Yahaya Bello, but he is reportedly hiding under the immunity of the Kogi State governor, his successor, who is protected by that immunity.”

Onanuga continued, “If Bello remains in Governor Ododo’s residence, the police are powerless to act without violating that immunity. It’s akin to the situation where a diplomat has certain protections; you cannot intervene. For instance, when security agencies in the UK were attempting to apprehend the Wikileaks founder, he sought refuge in an embassy, and they were unable to take action. It’s a similar case here: Ododo enjoys immunity, and Bello is believed to be sheltering there. The EFCC faces a significant challenge, and the police cannot assist them.”