BREAKING: FG Places Yahaya Bello On Watchlist, Immigration Alerts DSS

FG has placed Yahaya Bello on watchlist amidst allegations of N80.2 billion money laundering.

Nigerian Immigration Service issues circular alerting law enforcement agencies to prevent Bello’s potential escape from the country.

Federal Government, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been placed on the watchlist to prevent any potential attempt to flee the country.

VersNews reports that the decision, enacted on Thursday, follows escalating concerns over Bello’s involvement in alleged money laundering activities amounting to N80.2 billion.

A circular issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), dated April 18, 2024, and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, has brought this matter to the forefront.

The circular serves as a formal alert to both the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to take immediate action to apprehend the former governor.

The urgency of this directive was underscored by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which recently declared Bello wanted for questioning regarding the aforementioned money laundering allegations.

Despite concerted efforts by the EFCC to effect his arrest in Abuja on Wednesday, Bello remained elusive, prompting the issuance of the arrest warrant and subsequent placement on the watchlist.

Tensions further escalated as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), engaged in a public disagreement regarding the EFCC’s attempted arrest of the former governor. Amidst these conflicting viewpoints, the NIS’s circular stands as a concrete measure to ensure Bello’s whereabouts are closely monitored.

The circular, a copy of which was obtained by This Online News Platform, meticulously details Bello’s personal information, including his name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321).

Signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, the directive underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability, particularly in matters concerning alleged financial misconduct at such a significant scale.

Nanadap stated, “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.”