BELLO PLACED ON WATCHLIST, DECLARED WANTED

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted for offences relating to economic and financial crimes.

This was contained in a notice posted on the commission’s official Facebook page on Thursday.

The notice read, “The public is hereby notified that YahayaAdoza Bello (former Governor of Kogi State), whose photograph appears above is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with alleged case of Money Laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88

“Bello, a 48-year-old Ebira man, is a native of Okenne Local Government of Kogi State.

“His last known address is: 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.”

The notice asked anybody with useful information about the former governor’s whereabouts to contact any of the commission’s offices across the country.

The anti-graft commission had earlier stated that it would, on Thursday (today), arraign the former governor before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

This was after the EFCC was granted a warrant of arrest by the Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend the former governor.

The agency’s team of lawyers, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, during the proceedings on Thursday, said that EFCC operatives were prepared to carry out the arrest warrant for the former governor, even if it requires the use of force.

“We have to arraign him in court even if we have to use the military. Immunity is only attached to a person and not the building.

Meanwhile, The Federal Government has also placed Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist.

Security agencies in the country have been alerted and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, ordered to arrest him at any entry and exit point.

This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, in a memo.

The memo was addressed to the Director General, Department of State Services, DSS, the Inspector General of Police and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA.

The memo which was signed by ACI DS Umar included the details of Bello’s international passport.

It read in part: “I am directed to inform you that the above named person has been placed on 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/V1/279 dated 18 April 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.

“Please accept as always the Comptroller General warmest regards and esteem.”