A major development has been made today as the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, announced the withdrawal of all police personnel assigned to Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State who is currently having a case in court.
This instruction was made through an official police signal on Friday.
The statement read: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/34,” and it contained these words: “The Inspector General has ordered that all police officers attached to the respected ex-Chief Executive of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello be withdrawn immediately as you are informed.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has listed him among those under surveillance following a wanted notice issued by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This release pertains to an alleged misappropriation of N80.2billion.
In a memorandum dated April 18th 2024 and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar for Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, the former governor’s passport number; B50083321 is also therein.”
It was a memo that says, “You are to be notified that the individual mentioned above is under radar. Moreover, the individual is in court at the Federal High Court Abuja over matters relating to conspiracy, abuse of trust and financial impropriety as stated in the letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/TE/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 2024. If he is seen anywhere on a national border ask him and then immediately tell the Director of Investigation or use the numbers given for any other instructions.”
Previously, EFCC had requested public assistance in locating Bello with anyone who knows his whereabouts being asked to visit any of its offices anywhere in Nigeria.
On Thursday last week, the commission had planned to arraign Bello before a Federal High Court sitting at Abuja following an arrest warrant issued by the court.
Bello was listed among people expected to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite on charges of money laundering along with Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman and Abdulsalam Hudu on March 5th.
However, things took a different turn when armed policemen obstructed efforts by EFCC operatives who stormed Bello’s house at Abuja for his arrest on Wednesday.
An intervention by a unit with the name “Special Forces,” in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, halted an arrest operation by the EFCC. Reports from The PUNCH indicate that Kogi State’s incumbent governor, Usman Ododo, played a role in averting the arrest of his predecessor.
According to reports, Ododo’s security detail helped Bello leave using the official transport of the state governor.