Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is still not arrested despite being wanted for financial crimes totaling N80.2 billion. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, shared insights into why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has struggled to apprehend him.

Onanuga explained that the EFCC has attempted to arrest Bello multiple times but has been unsuccessful. The main reason for this is that Bello is reportedly hiding at the residence of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who enjoys legal immunity. This immunity protects Ododo from arrest, meaning that security forces cannot legally apprehend Bello while he is staying in Ododo’s home.

Onanuga drew a comparison to a situation involving diplomats, saying that just as authorities cannot arrest someone hiding in an embassy, they cannot arrest Bello while he is under the protection of Governor Ododo. This legal protection complicates the EFCC’s efforts to hold Bello accountable.

Additionally, Bello has not shown up for several court hearings, making it even more challenging for law enforcement to take action.

The situation highlights the complexities of law enforcement in cases involving political figures and raises questions about accountability in governance.