Nigeria Immigration Places Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello on Watchlist After Court Absence and Money Laundering Allegations

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has placed former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on its watchlist after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment in a case involving an alleged money laundering scheme amounting to N80.2 billion.

This action by the NIS came after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted following unsuccessful efforts to apprehend him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.

The development was made public through an internal circular dated April 18, 2024, signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap.

The circular directed all zonal headquarters and commands to arrest Bello if seen, citing his passport number (B50083321).

It also provided contact numbers for further action, emphasizing that Bello is being prosecuted for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering before the Federal High Court Abuja.

The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted after he evaded arrest at his residence. The anti-corruption agency had charged Bello alongside three others, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, on 19-count charges related to money laundering.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja was scheduled to arraign the former governor on Thursday, but the proceedings were disrupted when the EFCC’s Counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, informed the court of Bello’s evasion of arrest.

This turn of events marks a significant escalation in the legal troubles faced by the former Kogi State Governor, who now faces the prospect of arrest and detention should he attempt to leave the country.

The Nigerian Immigration Service has been instructed to ensure that all entry and exit points in the country are monitored for any sign of Bello.

The case against Yahaya Bello has drawn considerable attention from the public and the media, with the EFCC’s efforts to apprehend him and the subsequent watchlist placement by the NIS making headlines across various platforms.

The public is advised to contact the provided numbers if they have any information regarding Bello’s whereabouts.

The Nigeria Immigration Service’s decision to place former Governor Yahaya Bello on its watchlist highlights the importance of accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.

It sends a clear message that no one is above the law and that the country’s institutions are committed to combating corruption and ensuring justice is served.