The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has put former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist to prevent him from leaving the country. This action follows the withdrawal of all police officers attached to him by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
In a circular dated April 18, 2024, the NIS alerted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect Bello’s arrest. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier declared Bello wanted in connection to an alleged case of money laundering amounting to N80.2bn.
The EFCC had on Wednesday attempted to arrest Bello, unsuccessfully, leading to the agency declaring him wanted on its official Facebook page. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in response criticized the obstruction of Bello’s arrest by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, which he termed “insufferably disquieting.
”The circular issued by the NIS contained Bello’s name, nationality, and passport number, and stated that he is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust, and Money Laundering. It instructed that if Bello be arrested if seen at any entry or exit point, and referred to the Director of Investigation.
In response to the EFCC’s actions, Bello’s Media Office accused the anti-corruption agency of engaging in a political witch-hunt against him, citing what they described as “curious and endless scenarios of duplicated charges, cross-charges, counter, and frivolous charges.”
