Imagine this: the mayor of New York, the city that never sleeps, the man sitting in Gracie Mansion with the power and influence to shape one of the world’s most iconic cities, is woken up in the dead of night. His security detail—comprising the NYPD and federal agents—can do nothing as he’s handed legal papers. The feds have come knocking, not for a chat or an inquiry, but with charges of corruption. And just like that, despite his high office, the wheels of justice start turning.

Now, bring the story home to Nigeria. Think about Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, an ordinary citizen without the high-profile office, yet for over 160 days and counting, he has successfully eluded arrest despite being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). How is it that in the US, a powerful man like New York’s mayor can be served papers overnight in his mansion, while the EFCC continues to play a game of hide-and-seek with someone who isn’t even holding office?

Let’s break it down. The Tinubu administration came into power with promises to tackle corruption head-on. Nigerians were assured that the fight against corruption would be swift and decisive. Yet, one of the biggest tests of this promise has been Yahaya Bello—a former governor wanted by the EFCC. After 160 days of being declared wanted, the EFCC’s chairman, Olanipekun olukoyede, still hasn’t managed to lay hands on him.

New York’s Overnight Justice

In New York, a mayor with full security detail—a man guarded around the clock by the NYPD, the city’s finest—was served by federal agents with corruption charges. Imagine that happening in Nigeria. The same mayor, with access to powerful networks, couldn’t evade the law because in a functional system, no one is above the law. The system itself doesn’t respect titles or mansions; it respects justice.

Even though this mayor had federal protection and influence, when the law came knocking, there was no escape. He wasn’t tipped off, he wasn’t shielded. The system worked overnight. It worked swiftly. The mayor was not untouchable.

Nigeria’s Hide-and-Seek

Now let’s look at Nigeria. Bello is not the governor anymore. He’s not in charge of security. He doesn’t have sitting governor security agents protecting him. He is an ordinary citizen. Yet, 160 days after being declared wanted, the EFCC still can’t arrest him. They’ve come up with excuses. Some say Bello has powerful friends. Others say it’s the system that’s broken. But the facts are simple: despite being “wanted,” he remains at large.

What’s even more puzzling is that he’s not holed up in some remote cave in the countryside. He’s out there, possibly walking around Abuja, Lagos, or maybe even at an event. People see him. The EFCC knows he’s around, but nothing happens. It’s as if the anti-corruption agency is a cat without claws, while Bello plays the role of the mouse that knows the cat can’t pounce.

What’s the Real Difference?

The difference between New York and Nigeria is clear. It’s not about power. It’s not about influence. It’s about will. In the US, when the justice system moves, it doesn’t care if you are the mayor or a millionaire. You’ll get served if you’ve been found wanting. The system operates independently of politics or personal interests.

In Nigeria, however, the story is different. There’s too much dancing around powerful individuals. There’s too much “talk” and not enough action. The EFCC has been “on the hunt” for Yahaya Bello for over 160 days, yet nothing has happened. When the government says they are fighting corruption, we have to ask: where is the action?

Tinubu’s Administration: Fighting Corruption or Fighting Shadows?

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has promised to tackle corruption, but how can Nigerians believe that promise when a man declared wanted is still walking free after five months? It makes one wonder: is the fight against corruption real, or is it a well-rehearsed script meant for the international stage?

Nigerians deserve a system that works. A system where, just like in New York, no one is too big to be served legal papers, no matter the time of day or the office they hold. We need a system where corruption is confronted directly, not danced around.
If New York can serve its sitting mayor with corruption charges, what’s stopping the EFCC from arresting a former governor who has no such immunity? It’s time for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight to grow some teeth. The people are watching, and they’re tired of the cat-and-mouse games.

This is like comparing a place where there is actual rule of law to a place where they pretend there is one.
Remember the mayor controls the 40,000 officers of NYPD (Because he appoints their head).
Now just imagine if a Nigerian local official controled such a force!

DaddyCoool:
Comparing US and Nigeria??!

Why not though? No be Sovereign countries and people dey live in both places? Are Nigerians in Nigeria not deserving of a working effective justice system?

Kobojunkie:
.

I modified my post. We're on same side

DaddyCoool:
■ This is like comparing a place where there is actual rule of law to a place where they pretend there is one. Remember the mayor controls the 40,000 officers of NYPD (Because he appoints their head). Now just imagine if a Nigerian local official controls such a force!

🤔

Kobojunkie:
🤔

It's true. See above

DaddyCoool:
■ It's true. See below

I am certain it is true.

Our law is dead to the elites and alive to the unconnected and poor.

Add pastor Adeboye’s son to the pictures.

People steal with confidence in Nigeria

In saner climes like North Korea and China, the head of Yahaya Bello and Pastor Adeboye’s son will be on the chopping board.

They steal and still go to court to get an injunction!

The root cause of Nigeria’s problem is the judiciary! They “ALL” have been bought .

Nigeria is gone

Exactly but we should not add criminals that stole with impunity like Peter Pandora Obi Bart Nnaji Allison Maduekwe Abaribe Ugwuayi Theodore Orji Kalu Orji Elechi Obiano etc

When one is born foolish such fools are destined to perish in foolish. Now count your teeth with thee tongue.

CoronaVirusPro:
Add pastor Adeboye’s son to the pictures.

People steal with confidence in Nigeria

In saner climes like North Korea and China, the head of Yahaya Bello and Pastor Adeboye’s son will be on the chopping board.

They steal and still go to court to get an injunction!

The root cause of Nigeria’s problem is the judiciary! They “ALL” have been bought .

softtorce:
Exactly but we should not add criminals that stole with impunity like Peter Pandora Obi Bart Nnaji Allison Maduekwe Abaribe Ugwuayi Theodore Orji Kalu Orji Elechi Obiano etc

When one is born foolish such fools are destined to perish in foolish. Now count your teeth with thee tongue.

STFU Morafvcker!

Who da fvck told you to oink!