LAGOS/Nigeria: The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre, a prominent anti-corruption and human rights advocacy group, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, to enforce a court order against former Kogi State Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello.
In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group expressed grave concern over the ongoing failure to enforce multiple court orders for Mr. Bello’s arrest, accusing law enforcement agencies of shielding him from justice.
According to HEDA, both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal have issued valid orders mandating the arrest of the former governor, but these directives have yet to be implemented. In April 2024, a Federal High Court ordered Mr. Bello’s arrest, a decision reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal in August 2024, which directed his immediate appearance for trial. Despite these rulings, Mr. Bello has allegedly evaded arrest, reportedly with the support of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS.
HEDA’s letter highlighted the group’s frustration with the repeated confrontations between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies whenever attempts are made to apprehend Mr. Bello.
“HEDA condemns this apparent shielding of a fugitive from justice and demands that the Nigeria Police Force and DSS cease obstructing the course of justice,” Suraju stated. “The arrest of Mr. Yahaya Bello must happen without further delay so he can face the charges against him.”
Suraju further criticized the defiance of court orders by law enforcement agencies, stating that it undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s judiciary and erodes public confidence in the country’s justice system. He urged the Police and DSS to fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
“The continued failure to act gives the impression of a lack of leadership and coordination within the government, which is unacceptable,” Suraju concluded.
HEDA is urging both the Police and DSS to take swift action to uphold the integrity of the judiciary and restore public faith in Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.
