Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has removed all Police Officers affiliated with Yahaya Bello, the troubled Former Governor of Kogi State.
The order for the withdrawal was contained in a Police wireless message.
The document with reference number “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/34” said, in part, that the Inspector General (IG) ordered the withdrawal of all Police Officers assigned to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Executive Governor of Kogi State.
“Acknowledge compliance and give it top priority. Above all, I ask for your information and strict compliance.
The Former Governor was earlier added to the watchlist of the Nigerian Immigration Service after he was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations that he had laundered N80.2 billion in money.
The NIS circular was dated April 18, 2024, and was signed on behalf of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar.
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″.
“He should be arrested and reported to the Director of Investigation if spotted at any entry or exit point. Alternatively, he can be reached at 08036226329 or 07039617304 for additional assistance”.
Bello was earlier proclaimed wanted by the EFCC, which invited anyone with relevant information regarding the former governor’s whereabouts to get in touch with any of the commission’s offices around the nation.
The Former Governor would be charged by the anti-graft commission, according to a previous statement made before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
This happened after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant for Bello, which was obtained by the EFCC.
Bello was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite for the arraignment of three other suspect, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, on 19 counts pertaining to money laundering.
Drama, however, broke out when Nigerian Police Force members stopped the EFCC from apprehending Bello at his home in Abuja on Wednesday.
To prevent the EFCC operatives from capturing him, a squad of armed men known as “Special Forces” and Nigerian Police Force officers interfered.
According to information obtained, Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State currently in office, stepped in to stop his predecessor’s detention.
Bello was allegedly driven out of the area in the governor’s car by Ododo’s security team.
