The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), on Thursday, placed Yahaya Bello, immediate past governor of Kogi State, on watch list amid allegations of N80.2 billion money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This development occurred shortly after the anti-graft agency had issued a wanted notice for Bello, in relation to allegations of laundering.
The watch list circular, dated April 18, 2024, was signed by DS Umar, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, on behalf of Kemi Nandap.
The service provided details including the name, nationality, and passport number (B50083321) of the former governor as part of identification in the document.
Earlier, TheTimes had reported that the EFCC issued a wanted notice for Bello, urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact any of the commission’s offices nationwide.
In a statement on its official Instagram page, the anti-corruption agency announced that Bello is sought for alleged economic and financial offenses totaling N80.2 billion.
Earlier on Wednesday, drama had ensued in the former Kogi State governor’s residence as EFCC operatives laid siege on the area for hours, aiming to detain Bello for a potential arraignment the following day.
The anti-graft commission had earlier stated that it would arraign the former governor before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday.
