The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted all security agencies to keep an eye on former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
News About Nigeria reports that the move is aimed at stopping the former governor from leaving Nigeria, fearing he might escape investigation.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has been instructed to arrest Bello if he’s spotted.
A memo from the EFCC stressed the urgency of the matter.
“VERY URGENT PLEASE!!! I am directed to request you to place the above named subject on watch list with immediate effect. Subject has resisted arrest and arraignment therefore he may run out of the country anytime. Please accept the assurances of the CGIS’s warmest regards and esteem,” it read.
The memo copied various security agencies including the Department of State Services and the Inspector General of Police.
Recall that the EFCC earlier on Thursday declared Bello wanted for alleged financial crimes totalling N80.2 billion. They called on anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact them or the nearest police station immediately.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja postponed Bello’s case to April 23 after he failed to appear in court on Thursday.
The EFCC had on Wednesday made efforts to apprehend Bello at his residence in Wuse Zone 4.
However, Governor Usman Ododo, his successor, arrived at his residence to show his support and eventually left with Bello despite the blockade, the EFCC said on Wednesday.
Following the attempt to arrest him, different court orders emerged.
A court in Kogi State, Lokoja, restrained the EFCC from arresting him. However, another court in Abuja, the Federal High Court countered, authorizing his arrest for a trial.
Bello served as governor from January 27, 2016, to January 27, 2024, handing over to Governor Ododo, both of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
