IG Withdraws Policemen Attached To Yahaya Bello After He Was Declared Wanted By EFCC

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all police officers assigned to the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The order for the withdrawal is contained in a police wireless document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34.

It read, “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 Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) also placed the former governor on its watchlist following allegations of money laundering totaling N80.2 billion.

A circular dated April 18, 2024, signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, outlines Bello’s particulars and directs enforcement agencies to arrest him upon sight.

The service detailed the former governor’s name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321), saying, “I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watch list”.

The statement further said 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,” the statement added.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had previously declared Yahaya Bello wanted, prompting a nationwide search for information on his whereabouts.

The EFCC intended to arraign him on Thursday before a Federal High Court in Abuja on 19 counts related to money laundering, but the attempt was thwarted by armed men, including Special Forces and officers from the Nigeria Police Force.

Amidst this, the current governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, also intervened to prevent Yahaya Bello’s arrest, with his security team escorting Bello away from the scene.