Nigeria in Turmoil: Ex-Kogi Governor Arrested, Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens

In a dramatic turn of events, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of corruption involving over N110 billion.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, the leadership crisis within the State Assembly continues to escalate as ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa contests his impeachment in court.

Abuja, Nigeria In a significant development, the EFCC confirmed the detention of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, ahead of his arraignment on corruption charges. Bello, who had evaded arrest multiple times, was finally apprehended and is currently being interrogated by investigators.

The charges against him include allegations of diverting N110 billion from the state treasury during his tenure as governor.

Bello’s appearance in court follows months of drama, including a previous attempt to surrender himself at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, which ended in a chaotic confrontation between his security team and EFCC operatives.

The EFCC accuses Bello of conspiring to misappropriate over N80 billion belonging to Kogi State for personal gain, with the alleged crime dating back to 2015.

Lagos, Nigeria The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn as Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted Speaker, continues to contest his impeachment in court.

Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, over allegations of misconduct and corruption, but he claims the process was unconstitutional and has refused to recognize his removal.

In a surprise move, Obasa recently unilaterally changed the Assembly’s legal team in court, sparking outrage among lawmakers who had previously impeached him.

The crisis has drawn the attention of top APC leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, who intervened to facilitate Obasa’s reinstatement, citing concerns over Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s influence in the impeachment.

The legal battle is ongoing, with the next court hearing scheduled for March 17. The case has become a focal point of political tension in Lagos, with Obasa insisting he remains the rightful Speaker despite the Assembly’s majority supporting his successor, Mojisola Meranda.

Yahaya Bello’s Trial: The former Kogi governor’s arraignment is expected to shed more light on the corruption allegations against him.

Lagos Assembly Crisis: The court’s decision on Obasa’s impeachment will determine the future leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Stay tuned for further updates as these stories unfold.