Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been stripped of police protection, following orders from the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun. This decision, communicated via a police wireless message, aligns with Bello’s legal entanglements and his placement on the Nigerian Immigration Service watchlist.
The directive underscores the imperative for strict adherence to the withdrawal of security personnel from Bello. Notably, the Federal Government has placed him on its watchlist, prompting security agencies to take action. The Nigeria Immigration Service has been instructed to arrest Bello at any entry or exit point.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, conveyed this directive in a memo addressed to key security agencies. The memo, signed by ACI DS Umar, included details of Bello’s international passport and highlighted his legal troubles.
Bello faces charges of Conspiracy, Breach of Trust, and Money Laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared him wanted in connection to a money laundering case amounting to N80.2 billion.
Despite efforts by the EFCC to apprehend him, Bello was shielded by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and his security team, who escorted him away from his residence.