Police withdraws orderlies as Immigration places Yahaya Bello on watchlist

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on a watchlist.

Immigration took this step after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday declared Bello wanted.

NIS placed Bello on the watchlist in a circular dated April 18 and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap.

READ ALSO: EFCC considers seeking Military help to find Yahaya Bello

Immigration also alerted the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to effect the former governor’s arrest as he cannot leave Nigeria after being placed on the watchlist.

The NIS circular included the name, nationality, and passport number of the embattled Kogi state former governor (B50083321).

“I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watch list,” Nanadap said.

“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The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has also withdrawn all police officers attached to Bello.

READ ALSO: EFCC declares Bello wanted over alleged N80.2b fraud

The IGP gave the directive for the withdrawal of Bello’s orderlies in a police wireless document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34.

“IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” the statement read in part.

“Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

Meanwhile, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged Bello and others to honour EFCC’s invitation.

Fagbemi also hit out at Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for obstructing the EFCC from arresting his successor, Bello on Wednesday.

Ododo reportedly moved his predecessor out after EFCC operatives besieged Bello’s Abuja residence on Wednesday.

The EFCC operatives had earlier restricted movement in and around Bello’s house situated on Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4.

In a video posted on social media, an EFCC official told a superior on the phone that Bello was inside Ododo’s car that departed the Abuja building.

Bello who was Kogi state governor from 2016 to 2024 before handing over to his fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Ododo is being prosecuted for allegedly laundering N84 billion.