- IG Withdraws Policemen Attached To The Ex-gov
By Abiola Olawale
The woes of a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, continue to compound as the Federal Government on Thursday put him on its watchlist to prevent him from escaping from the country.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) made this known in a circular dated April 18, 2024, and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap.
In the circular, the NIS alerted the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to be at alert on the arrest of the immediate governor.
Nanadap stated: “I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watch list.
“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/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 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.”
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced the withdrawal of all police officers attached to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State.
The order for the withdrawal was contained in a police wireless message issued on Friday.
The document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 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.”
The New Diplomat reports that this came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Bello wanted in connection to an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80.2bn. The EFCC declared Bello wanted after failed attempts to arrest him on Wednesday in Abuja.
It would be recalled that Bello’s altercation with the EFCC began on Wednesday when the operatives of the anti-graft commission laid siege to his Benghazi street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja residence in a bid to arrest him ahead of his planned arraignment for money laundering on Thursday.
However, the ex-governor refused to grant the operatives access to his residence or give himself up, leading to a stand-off that lasted for several hours.
Amidst the tense situation, the governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, drove to his predecessor’s compound with heavy security operatives. About two hours later, he drove away with Bello in his car, helping his predecessor to evade arrest.
