Immigration places Yahaya Bello on watchlist as IG withdraws his orderlies
The Nigeria Immigration Service on Thursday placed the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaha Bello on its watchlist after evading the EFCC invitation which declared him wanted over accusations of N80 billion fraud.
Nigeria’s antigraft agency, Economic and Finantial Crimes Commission had prepared to arraign Bello before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, but the ex-governor evaded arrest warranting the notice a few hours after the declaration.
The service in a letter addressed to the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; as well as other formations alerted that Yahaya Bello has been placed on its watch list.
In a letter by D S Umar, the Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nanna Nandap, the Service said Bello was facing trial in the Federal High Court Abuja on money laundering charges.
The letter read in part: “Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust and Money Laundering vide letter Ref: CR: 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/TE/V 1/279 dated 18th April 2024, if seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action”.
As a result, the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will no longer enjoy police protection as the Inspector General of Police withdrew his men.
According to report, the withdrawal of the officers ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, was contained in a wireless message.
The message read in part, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”
