Lawyers blast IGP, DSS for shielding Yahaya Bello from EFCC arrest
Former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
As Nigerians await the arraignment of ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged public fund diversion, legal experts and activists have raised concerns about poor coordination among law enforcement agencies.
They have identified this gap as a key factor contributing to the rising number of corruption cases in public offices.
According to the legal experts, the poor collaboration, particularly between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police, and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), has hindered efforts to tackle corruption and enforce the law effectively across the country.
Commenting on the ongoing case between the EFCC and the former governor on Monday, the experts pointed to the lack of support from other law enforcement agencies as the main reason for Bello’s evasion of arrest and non-compliance with court orders.
They argued that while the EFCC is pursuing Bello to ensure he complies with the court’s directive, personnel from the Police and DSS—who remain attached to him—are shielding him from arrest, particularly when attempts are made to hold him accountable for the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
The experts emphasized that Bello does not have immunity from arrest and should be arraigned to face the charges leveled against him.
A prominent legal practitioner, Adeyemi Sulaimon, criticized the delay in arresting Bello, stating that the current situation could have been avoided if the Police and DSS were fulfilling their duties as expected.
Sulaimon added that even if the incumbent governor, Ahmed Ododo, is attempting to shield his predecessor, Bello could still be apprehended if the Inspector General of Police and the DSS were committed to upholding the law.
“This whole drama is ridiculous because the EFCC should have arrested the former governor by now, sparing us this unnecessary saga. The situation is straightforward.
- Yahaya Bello’s conduct and his lack of probable cause
- EFCC arrests 13 suspected internet fraudsters in Sokoto
- EFCC arrests 13 students of Usmanu Danfodio University
“The former governor and the incumbent both rely on the Police and DSS for protection. All that is needed is for the IGP and DSS boss to issue clear instructions that whenever the EFCC attempts to apprehend Bello, the Police and DSS must not obstruct them. They should stand down and allow the anti-graft agency to perform its duty.
“Even if the incumbent governor is present, they should make it clear that the immunity only applies to him, not his predecessor. Before long, the former Kogi governor would be in court. But this isn’t happening. Instead, taxpayers’ money is being wasted as law enforcement officers, funded by the country, prevent another law enforcement agency from doing its job.
“These agencies must cooperate and support each other. The collaboration Nigerians expect isn’t just for the cameras but should function smoothly, as citizens anticipate. If this happens, we’ll save the country’s resources and redirect them to more productive uses,” Sulaimon added.
Bello is Not Above the Law
Human rights activist and legal practitioner, Gedion Okebu, also criticized Bello and his successor, Ododo, for obstructing justice.
He emphasized that no one is above the law and that evading or resisting arrest is a crime in itself.
“When law enforcement officers are prevented from carrying out their lawful duties, the law permits them to use reasonable force to ensure compliance.
“However, it is an aberration for Kogi government officials to harbour and abet a fugitive (Yahaya Bello) who has been declared wanted. The Rule of Law must prevail, and it should not be compromised for political gain,” he added.
