The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading anti-corruption organization and human rights advocacy group has issued a strong call to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, demanding the immediate enforcement of a subsisting court order concerning the former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.
In a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the security chiefs, HEDA expressed deep concern over the ongoing disregard for the rule of law. Despite valid court orders from both a Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal mandating Mr. Bello’s arrest and his presentation for trial, he continues to evade justice with alleged protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS.
In April 2024, a Federal High Court Judge ordered Mr. Bello’s arrest. This order was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal in August 2024, directing him to present himself for trial. However, Mr. Bello has allegedly been shielded from arrest by law enforcement agencies responsible for upholding the law.
According to Suraju, HEDA is particularly concerned over reports of confrontations between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and DSS, each time the EFCC attempted to arrest Mr. Bello.
“HEDA strongly condemns this apparent protection of a fugitive and demands that the Nigeria Police Force and DSS immediately stop obstructing justice. We call for the immediate arrest of Mr. Yahaya Bello so that he can face the charges against him in court.
“The continued defiance of court orders not only undermines the integrity of our judiciary but also erodes public trust in our law enforcement institutions. The Nigeria Police Force and DSS must fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that justice prevails, and stop presenting the government as lacking in leadership and coordination,” Suraju added.
HEDA expects both the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to act swiftly and in accordance with the law they swore to defend.