Nigeria Immigration Service declares Yahaya Bello wanted

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has declared the immediate past Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, wanted.

There are concerns whether the former Kogi Governor has escaped from Nigeria or that he may be hiding somewhere in the country.

Bello ran Kogi for eight years with many alleged financial atrocities covered up by the former regime of Mihammadu Buhari whose government was believed to habour many sympathisers of Bello.

This was contained in a circular signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, made available to Irohinodua.

However, this development came few hours after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) put the former Kogi state Governor on their watchlist in connection to an allegation case of N80.2bn money laundering.

EFCC was earlier granted an arrest warrant by Nigeria apex court to parade the former Governor.

It was gathered that the operation from EFCC was obstructed by some group of armed men along some Nigeria Police Officers who intervened in the arrest.

The Immigration service has informed the members of the public that Yahaya Bello with passport number “B50083321” has been placed on the commission watchlist.

The circular read, “ 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.”