By Ken Chiwendu
The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS has directed its personnel to arrest the embattled former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello if seen at the entry or exit point of the country.
The NIS gave the directive in a circular on Thursday 18th April 2024,after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC declared Bello wanted for financial crimes to the tune of N80.2BN.
In the circular signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, the NIS detailed the name, nationality, and passport number of the former governor (B50083321).
It reads “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,” the NIS circular read.
On Wednesday, the EFCC laid siege to the Abuja home of Bello but the attempt to arrest him met stiff resistance as the police attached to Bello rebuffed the EFCC mission and reports afterwards indicated that Bello’s successor, Governor Usman Ododo took him away.
The Commission however left but arraigned Bello in court on Thursday.
But Bello failed to appear in court. Subsequently, sensing that Bello had gone into hiding,the EFCC declared him wanted and enjoined members of the public with useful information to contact any of the commission’s office across the country.
