BelloOlukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has removed all law enforcement personnel affiliated with Yahaya Bello, the troubled former governor of Kogi State. Our correspondent saw a police wireless transmission on Friday that included the instruction for the pullout.
The paper with reference number “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/34” said, in part, that the Inspector General (IG) has directed the evacuation of all law enforcement personnel assigned to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Executive Governor of Kogi State. The former governor was earlier added to the blacklist of the Nigerian Immigration Service after he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations that he had laundered N80.2 billion in money.
Kluemedia was able to obtain a copy of the April 18, 2024, NIS circular, which was signed on behalf of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar. The service provided information about the former governor, including his name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321). It further stated, “I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watch list.” It is sufficient to state that, as per the letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/ TE/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 2024, the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering.
He should be apprehended and reported to the Director of Investigation if spotted at any point of entrance or departure. For additional action, call 08036226329 or 07039617304. Bello was earlier proclaimed wanted by the EFCC, which invited anyone with relevant information regarding the former governor’s whereabouts to get in touch with any of the commission’s offices around the nation.
The former governor would be charged by the anti-graft commission, according to a previous statement made in front of an Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday.
This happened when the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant for Bello, which was obtained by the EFCC. Bello was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite for the arraignment of three other accused, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, on 19 counts pertaining to money laundering. Drama, however, broke out when Nigerian Police Force members stopped the EFCC from apprehending Bello at his home in Abuja on Wednesday to stop the EFCC agents from capturing him, a squad of armed men known as “Special Forces” and Nigerian Police Force officers interfered. According to information obtained by The PUNCH, Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State currently in office, stepped in to stop his predecessor’s detention. Bello was allegedly driven out of the area in the governor’s car by Ododo’s security detail.