By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has put the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist to prevent him from leaving the country after his alleged involvement in a fraud case of N80.2 billion.
This as the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has also withdrawn all police officers attached to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State.
In a circular dated April 18, 2024 and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Mrs Kemi Nandap, the NIS alerted the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect the former governor’s arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier declared Mr Bello wanted in connection with an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion.
His successor, Mr Usman Ododo, allegedly obstructed the arrest of Mr Bello on Wednesday to which the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the aftermath as “insufferably disquieting.”
The circular, copies of which were sent to the DSS and the police, contained the name, nationality and passport number of the former Governor (B50083321).
Mrs Nanadap 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 IGP’s order for the withdrawal is contained in a police wireless document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34, which 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.”
Despite being in the wind, Mr Bello’s Media Office has accused the anti-corruption agency of a witchhunt against its principal.
“Looking at the curious and endless scenarios of duplicated charges, cross-charges, counter and frivolous charges by the EFCC against former Governor Yahaya Bello, it has become crystal clear that the whole onslaught is nothing but a desperate political witch-hunt of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State,” his media office said in a statement.
Modupe Gbadeyanka