The Kogi State House of Assembly urged the removal of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, over the handling of the corruption case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The lawmakers described the EFCC’s actions as unprofessional and accused the agency of attempting to assassinate Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo.
During the plenary session in Lokoja, the Assembly condemned the EFCC’s siege on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja last Wednesday. The EFCC reportedly tried to arrest Bello, who is facing allegations of an N80.2 billion fraud. Lawmakers claimed that EFCC operatives fired gunshots during the attempt, endangering both the former and current governors.
Akus Lawal, a lawmaker representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency, moved a motion of urgent public importance to address the situation. He criticized the EFCC’s approach, saying, “The method used by the EFCC in handling the N80.2 billion fraud case against our former governor was humiliating.”
Abu Jibril, representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, called for Olukoyede’s removal and prosecution, accusing him of attempting to kill Governor Ododo. He said, “The chairman has shown incompetence that warrants his removal.”
Bode Ogunmola, representing Ogori/Magongo State Constituency, expressed outrage over the invasion of the Governor’s Lodge, saying, “For the EFCC Chairman to order that fire be opened on the official lodge of the governor, he should be sacked and prosecuted.”
The Majority Leader, Suleiman AbdulRazak, accused EFCC officials of staging a show to embarrass Bello, stating, “The EFCC officials were begging the former governor to let them pretend as if he was arrested. This shows they are acting according to a script written by political enemies.”
The Assembly passed a resolution requesting President Bola Tinubu to remove the EFCC Chairman. Speaker Aliyu Yusuf declared the incidents on April 17 and September 18 as assassination attempts on the former governor and a threat to Governor Ododo. He said, “The House has resolved that the President should relieve [Olukoyede] of his appointment with immediate effect.”
Meanwhile, a non-governmental organization, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC), accused Governor Ododo of obstructing justice by shielding Bello from arrest. The group called on President Tinubu to intervene, stating, “Governor Ododo is aiding and abetting Yahaya Bello, who is a fugitive from the law.”
The EFCC has been criticized for its handling of the case, but JAC commended Chairman Olukoyede for his professionalism, urging him to continue pursuing justice despite the political pressure.
The Kogi Assembly’s call for action against the EFCC Chairman highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the corruption allegations against Bello and the political dynamics at play in Kogi State.
