Police Inspector General recalls officers assigned to Yahaya Bello

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all police officers previously assigned to former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. The directive, conveyed in a police wireless message, emphasized the immediate implementation of the withdrawal.

The move follows the Nigerian Immigration Service’s placement of Bello on its watchlist, linked to an alleged case of money laundering totaling N80.2 billion. The NIS circular instructed authorities to arrest Bello if found at any entry or exit point.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Bello wanted, prompting efforts to arrest him. However, a confrontation between EFCC operatives and the Nigeria Police Force thwarted the arrest attempt at Bello’s Abuja residence, with the intervention of armed men reportedly including “Special Forces.”

Despite the warrant for Bello’s arrest and pending arraignment on money laundering charges before a Federal High Court, he remains elusive amid mounting legal and law enforcement pressures.