Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, recently provided insight into why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been unable to apprehend Bello.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,” Onanuga described the situation as “complicated.”
Bello has been declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged financial crimes amounting to a staggering N80.2 billion.
This situation has been ongoing since April, when the anti-graft agency issued the warrant for his arrest.
Security agencies have made several attempts to capture him, but each time, he has seemingly evaded arrest with the help of his successor, Usman Ododo.
Reports indicate that when the EFCC stormed Bello’s residence, Ododo intervened and whisked him away to safety.
The matter has been dragged through the courts, yet Bello has not appeared before the trial judge despite multiple adjournments.
When questioned about why the police have not arrested Bello, Onanuga explained, “I think it’s a bit complicated.”
He noted that the EFCC is a federal agency, and its efforts to arrest Bello are hindered by the legal protections afforded to Ododo.
“Bello is hiding under the agbada of the governor of Kogi State,” he said, referring to the flowing traditional robe worn by Nigerian governors.
“He (Bello) is hiding there, and the police cannot do anything because they would be violating the immunity that Ododo enjoys.”
The immunity granted to state governors is a protective measure under Nigerian law.
This legal shield means that any actions against them while in office can be challenging, particularly in sensitive cases involving accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement.
Onanuga drew a parallel between Bello’s situation and that of diplomats enjoying immunity in foreign nations.
He recalled the case of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, who sought refuge in an embassy in the UK.
“The police could not do anything because they left him there,” Onanuga said.
“It’s the same thing. Ododo enjoys immunity. Yahaya Bello is believed to be hiding there. They cannot storm the place and say they want to arrest him.”
This situation raises questions about the accountability of public officials in Nigeria, particularly regarding corruption.
The EFCC’s failure to apprehend Bello highlights broader issues related to corruption within the country’s political framework.
The persistence of these issues is detrimental to Nigeria’s efforts to improve governance and restore public trust in its institutions.
Since taking office, President Bola Tinubu has emphasized his commitment to fighting corruption and restoring the integrity of government institutions.
However, the inability to arrest Bello poses a significant challenge to these efforts.
The EFCC’s ongoing struggle to bring him to justice reflects the complexities of Nigeria’s political and legal landscape, where powerful figures often evade accountability.
Nigerians have expressed frustration over the apparent impunity of politicians implicated in corruption.
The case against Bello is just one of many examples highlighting the struggle between law enforcement and political power.
As the situation unfolds, observers are keenly watching how the government and the EFCC will navigate these complex legal and political challenges.
Onanuga’s comments also serve as a reminder of the urgent need for legal reforms to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their political status, are held accountable for their actions.
The persistent influence of political immunity poses significant barriers to tackling corruption effectively.
Advocates for transparency and accountability argue that reforms are essential to create a system where public officials cannot hide behind legal protections.
