Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has been placed on a watch list by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The NIS placed Bello on the list after he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, April 18.
Recall that Bello was declared wanted by the EFCC over an alleged claim that he laundered money to the tune of N80.2 billion.
The April 18, 2024, circular announcing that Bello had been placed on a watchlist was signed by DS Umar, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, on behalf of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap.
The service provided information about the former governor, including his name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321). It further stated, “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 earlier stated that it would arraign the former governor before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday.
This came after the EFCC was granted a warrant of arrest by the Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Bello.
The former governor and three other suspects namely, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, were to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19 counts related to money laundering.
However officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPFL) attached to Bello foiled the EFCC’s attempt to arrest him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.
A group of armed men, identified as “Special Forces,” along with officers from the NPF intervened to prevent the EFCC operatives from apprehending him before the intervention of Usman Ododo, the incumbent governor of Kogi State, whose security team escorted Bello out of the location in the governor’s vehicle.
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