BREAKING: Nigerian Immigration Service Places Yahaya Bello on Watchlist

Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, has been placed on the watchlist by the Nigerian Immigration Service, following allegations of money laundering totaling N80.2 billion, as declared by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to a circular dated April 18, 2024, signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, on behalf of Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, Bello’s name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321) have been flagged for monitoring.

The circular states, “I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watchlist.” It further notes that Bello is facing charges of conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering before the Federal High Court Abuja.

In case of sighting Bello at any entry or exit point, the directive is to arrest him and refer him to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.

Earlier, the EFCC had declared Bello wanted, urging the public to provide any relevant information about his whereabouts to any of the commission’s offices nationwide.

The EFCC was granted a warrant of arrest by the Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Bello and three other suspects on 19 counts related to money laundering. However, a police intervention on Wednesday thwarted the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence.

Reportedly, armed men identified as “Special Forces,” accompanied by officers from the Nigeria Police Force, prevented the EFCC operatives from carrying out the arrest. The current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, also intervened, with his security team escorting Bello away from the scene in the governor’s vehicle.