EFCC Requests Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Other North African Countries to Watch-List Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally requested INTERPOL to place former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on a watch-list in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. This decision is based on credible intelligence, according to sources within the agency.

In addition to these North African countries, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan have also been asked to monitor the movements of the ex-governor. EFCC sources revealed that various strategies are being considered to address the situation, including potentially entering the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, where Bello is believed to be hiding.

This development comes as Bello is expected to appear before a Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17th. He faces a 19-count charge, including allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of approximately N80.2 billion in public funds.

Despite denying the allegations, Bello has repeatedly failed to appear before the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, on June 13th and June 27th. At the most recent hearing, he filed an application to transfer his trial to the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

An EFCC source commented: “Ahead of the next hearing, the EFCC has activated several measures, including placing Bello on a watch-list in North Africa. We are aware of an attempted escape to Morocco via Cameroon and are determined to prevent him from fleeing.”

EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who was recently in Tunisia to address a session on illicit financial flows, met with INTERPOL heads from North Africa. He formally requested that Bello be placed on Red Alert, which was accepted and has taken immediate effect. This measure ensures Bello’s arrest if he is found in any part of North Africa.

The source added, “We suspect Bello has been avoiding arraignment. He needs to appear in court to prove his innocence, and the EFCC must act to prevent setting a bad precedent.”

During the last hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), applied to withdraw his appearance for the ex-governor, noting an application for the transfer of the trial to Lokoja was pending before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, in accordance with Section 45 of the Federal High Court Establishment Act.