In a recent development, the Nigerian Immigration Service has placed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist.
This action was taken shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted for his alleged involvement in a money laundering case amounting to N80.2bn.
Dated April 18, 2024, a circular signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, on behalf of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, was issued by the service. It included details such as the name, nationality, and passport number of the ex-governor (B50083321) with the directive that “the above-named person has been placed on the watchlist.”
The communication further stated, “It is important to highlight that the individual is currently facing prosecution at the Federal High Court in Abuja for charges including conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering as per Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/ TE/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 2024.
In the event of any sightings at entry or exit points, immediate arrest and referral to the Director of Investigation should be made or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for necessary action.”
Prior to this, the EFCC had issued a public notice declaring Bello wanted and urged individuals with relevant information on his whereabouts to reach out to any of the commission’s offices nationwide.
The anti-corruption body had earlier announced plans to present the former governor before the Federal High Court in Abuja on the same day.
This decision followed the authorization granted to the EFCC by the Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Bello.
Bello, along with three other individuals named Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, was set to face charges related to money laundering counting 19 offenses.
However, a standoff occurred when officers from the Nigeria Police Force obstructed the EFCC’s mission to arrest Bello at his residence in Abuja.
A contingent of armed individuals, known as “Special Forces,” in collaboration with the police force, intervened to halt the EFCC operatives from taking action.
Reports suggest that the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, intervened to prevent the arrest of his predecessor.
Ododo’s security team purportedly escorted Bello away from the premises using the governor’s vehicle.