FG condemns Ododo’s interference in EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello

Attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi has warned against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This comes a day after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, “rescued” Yahaya Bello, his predecessor, from the EFCC siege in Abuja.

The EFCC operatives had restricted movement in and around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

Hours later, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and was reportedly seen leaving with his predecessor.

In a statement on Thursday, Fagbemi said the “bizarre drama” confronting the EFCC as it tries to perform its statutory duty has become a “matter of very grave concern” to him.

He said the EFCC has the power to invite any person of interest, regardless of status, in the course of its investigation into any matter.

“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,” Fagbemi said.

“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.”