The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has publicly appealed to the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to cooperate with ongoing investigations and present himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning regarding alleged corrupt practices during his tenure.
This plea comes amidst escalating drama surrounding attempts to arrest Bello for arraignment, which was scheduled for Thursday.
Recent efforts by the EFCC to apprehend the former governor have faced obstacles, drawing widespread public and media attention.
In a statement personally signed by Fagbemi, concerns were raised over the actions of the current Kogi Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who reportedly utilized his immunity to obstruct Bello’s arrest on Wednesday.
Fagbemi criticized such interventions as “disquieting” and contrary to the principles of justice and transparency.
“The action of using one’s position to prevent the lawful arrest of an individual is not only disquieting but also a form of escapism that casts Nigeria in a negative light internationally,” Fagbemi emphasized.
He reiterated the EFCC’s legal authority to summon any Nigerian for questioning and affirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
Fagbemi stated in the statement, “The bizarre drama confronting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the course of its efforts to perform its statutory duty has come to my notice (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) as a matter of very grave concern.
“It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status. Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.
“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting.
“A flight from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.
“I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently. Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.
“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.”
