The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist to prevent him from leaving the country.
Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn all police officers assigned to the former Governor of Kogi State.
In a circular dated April 18, 2024, and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, the NIS alerted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect the former governor’s arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier declared Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering totaling N80.2 billion.
Following a failed attempt to arrest the former Kogi State governor, the EFCC declared him wanted on its official Facebook page.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has described the obstruction to Bello’s arrest by his successor, Usman Ododo, as “insufferably disquieting.”
The circular contained the name, nationality, and passport number of the former Governor (B50083321). It stated that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust, and Money Laundering.
The IGP’s order for the withdrawal of police officers assigned to Bello is contained in a police wireless document.
The EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted for an alleged financial crime amounting to N80.2 billion. This declaration came after the agency’s failed attempt to arrest him.
Bello’s Media Office accused the EFCC of engaging in a witch-hunt against him, describing the charges as frivolous and politically motivated.
