Ododo faces EFCC scrutiny: Shielding Bello may lead to legal consequences

As the legal battle intensifies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to those shielding former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello from facing justice, cautioning that such actions are punishable by law.

In a statement released by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC called on individuals, including current Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, who is allegedly using his office to provide immunity for his predecessor, to cease obstructing justice.

The agency warned that anyone found aiding Bello in evading court orders could face prosecution for harbouring a criminal suspect.

The EFCC emphasised the seriousness of the charges against Bello, which now include additional counts related to the alleged conversion of N110 billion in public funds for personal use.

“Those who harbour a criminal suspect should be aware that this is a criminal offence punishable by law,” the statement read, adding that corruption cases should not be trivialised by attempts to evade court proceedings.

The agency reiterated its readiness to present its extensive evidence in court and called for Bello to honour the court summons.

Supporting the EFCC’s position, legal expert Adeyemi Sulaimon explained that shielding a crime suspect, even by a sitting governor, is a criminal offence under the 1999 Constitution.

He further noted that while a governor may enjoy immunity while in office, prosecution for aiding a criminal suspect can proceed after the governor’s tenure ends.

Sulaimon stressed that crimes such as this have no expiration for prosecution, and those responsible will eventually face justice when the protections of office no longer apply.

The EFCC has expressed its commitment to ensuring that all parties involved in this case face the full weight of the law.