The withdrawal of all police officers attached to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
This directive was conveyed in a police wireless message, with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34, emphasizing strict compliance.
The Nigerian Immigration Service also placed the former governor on its watchlist following the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s declaration of him as wanted in connection to an alleged money laundering case involving N80.2 billion.
The NIS circular, dated April 18, 2024, detailed Bello’s name, nationality, passport number (B50083321), and instructed that he be arrested if sighted at any entry or exit point.
The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted, urging the public to provide information about his whereabouts. The commission obtained a warrant of arrest from the Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Bello and three other suspects for arraignment on charges related to money laundering.
However, police intervention thwarted the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, with armed men identified as “Special Forces” and officers from the Nigeria Police Force preventing the arrest. Governor Usman Ododo’s security team reportedly escorted Bello away from the scene.
