A civil society organisation (CSO), the Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER), has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and hand him over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or arraign him in court within 14 days.
It said the EFCC had declared the former governor wanted for investigation and arraignment over alleged corruption and abuse of office but Bello had shunned the anti-graft agency’s invitation.
In an “open letter” by its Executive Director Nelson Ekujumi to the IGP, dated September 30, the group said it expected the police boss “to support the EFCC with its performance and deploy human resources and officers as the need may arise”.
The letter reads in part: “Upon the application to the High Court by the EFCC for an arrest of the former governor, the application was granted and the court issued an order for his arrest. In this light, the EFCC, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, declared the former governor of Kogi State, H. E. Yahaya Adoza Bello, wanted and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued.
“Furthermore, the Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment read by Justice Kenneth Amadi, in appeal …held that the appellant (Yahaya Bello), having been aware of his charge on the media space and same published by the respondent (the EFCC) but refused to appear to take his plea; the trial court was right in issuing his warrant of arrest.
“That we are aware and it is well known to the public that all attempts by the EFCC and the court to make H. E. Yahaya Bello face justice and answer the allegations against him, are being repeatedly frustrated by your men (policemen) who continue to provide security for the former governor, thereby preventing his arrest.
“It is trite, we specifically remind, re-emphasise and refer you to The Nigeria Police Establishment Act, 2020, which provides as follows: ‘Part 1: Preliminary: The objective of this Act is to provide for a more efficient and effective police service that is based on the principles of: (a) accountability and transparency; (b) protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and (c) partnership with other security agencies. Section 3 (F): The Police shall collaborate with other agencies to take necessary action and provide the required assistance…’
“Sir, it is more embarrassing to us that you, being the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), by law, actually sit on the board of the EFCC.
“The drafters of the EFCC Act knew what they were doing when they included you and the Director General of the DSS as members of the board of EFCC; the reason for such cannot be farfetched, which is to support the EFCC with its performance and to deploy human resources, officers, as the need may arise.
“May we ask: what is the relevance, importance and use of your membership of the EFCC board if you cannot get the man already declared wanted by the court arrested? Worse still: your men have been seen in the full glare of the public not only providing security for H. E. Yahaya Bello but also preventing the EFCC from arresting him.
“Owing to the above, and coupled with the fact that H. E. Yahaya Bello failed and refused to voluntarily report to the nearest police station, to the EFCC or the court, has caused Nigeria gross shame, locally and internationally.”
“We are, therefore, left with no other option than to demand your obligatory duty, as enshrined in the Nigeria Police Establishment Act, 2020 and in line with your constitutional responsibility; we give you a maximum of fourteen (14) days to arrest H. E. Yahaya Bello and hand him over to the EFCC or the court.
“Finally, should you fail to meet our request above, please, take note that we will, without further communication with you, commence a legal action against you by applying to the court for an Order of Mandamus to compel you to perform your statutory obligations by arresting and taking His Excellency Yahaya Bello to either the EFCC or the law court.”