Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has been placed on a watchlist by the Nigerian Immigration Service. This action comes shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted in connection to an alleged money laundering case involving N80.2 billion.
According to a circular issued by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, on April 18, 2024, authorized by Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, Bello’s name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321) were provided. The circular states that Bello is currently under surveillance and is facing legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja for charges including conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering.
In the event of Bello being spotted at any entry or exit point, the circular instructs that he should be detained and sent to the Director of Investigation, or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.
Before the EFCC declared Bello wanted, they urged the public to provide information on his whereabouts by contacting any of the commission’s offices nationwide.
Bello, along with three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, were slated to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja to face 19 charges related to money laundering. However, the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello at his home in Abuja on Wednesday was thwarted by officers from the Nigeria Police Force.
There was reportedly a confrontation when the police intervened to prevent the EFCC agents from apprehending Bello. A group referred to as “Special Forces,” along with officers from the Nigeria Police Force, intervened to halt the arrest.
It was reported that the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, intervened to prevent the former governor’s arrest. Allegedly, Ododo’s security team escorted Bello out of the premises using the governor’s car.
