Yahaya Bello, the immediate former governor of Kogi State, was placed on a watchlist by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday. This occurred just hours after Bello was listed as wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations that he had laundered N80.2 billion in money.

The April 18, 2024, circular 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.”

Earlier, the EFCC declared Bello wanted, asking members of the public with useful information about the former governor’s whereabouts to contact any of the commission’s offices across the country.

The anti-graft commission 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.

Bello, alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, were to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19 counts related to money laundering.

But drama ensued when officers of the Nigeria Police Force foiled the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.

A group of armed men, identified as “Special Forces,” along with officers from the Nigeria Police Force, intervened to prevent the EFCC operatives from apprehending him.

It was earlier reported that Usman Ododo, the incumbent governor of Kogi State, had interfered to prevent the arrest of his predecessor.

Ododo’s security team reportedly escorted Bello out of the location in the governor’s vehicle.

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi state, has been declared wanted by the EFCC.

He reportedly evaded arrest yesterday when the commission visited his home to enforce arrest.

More to come…

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