According to reports, Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, is currently facing challenges after being stripped of police protection. The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered the withdrawal of the police officers assigned to protect him, as conveyed through a wireless message.
The document reads in part, “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.”
Yahaya Bello was placed on a watchlist by the Nigerian Immigration Service after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared him wanted for an alleged financial crime worth ₦80.2 billion.
According to the statement released on its official Facebook, the EFCC said, “Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 Billion,” the EFCC said in a Thursday evening post on its Facebook page it captioned “Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Wanted By the EFCC”.
“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest police Station.”
On April 18, 2024, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) issued a circular listing the name, nationality, and passport number of a former governor, placing him on their watchlist. Signed by DS Umar, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, on behalf of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, the circular revealed the former governor’s passport number as B50083321.
The circular read, “I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watch list.
“Suffice to mention 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 EFCC had scheduled to arraign Bello before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, but the former governor managed to evade arrest.