The Nigeria Immigration Service has placed Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, on its watchlist after he evaded arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an alleged N80 billion fraud. The move comes shortly after the EFCC declared Bello wanted and threatened to raid the Kogi government house to apprehend him.
In a letter addressed to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and other relevant authorities, the Immigration Service informed them that Bello has been placed on its watchlist.
The letter, signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (Suspect Index), D.S. Umar, on behalf of the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, stated that Bello is currently facing prosecution before the Federal High Court in Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust, and Money Laundering. It further instructed that if Bello is spotted at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation. Contact information was provided for further action.
In a related development, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the police officers who were assigned to Yahaya Bello. A police wireless message obtained by Newsmen confirmed that all personnel previously assigned to the former Kogi State Governor have been immediately recalled.