Police Detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC and Security Details

The Nigeria Police Force has taken into custody a female police officer who served as the aide-de-camp to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Alongside her, other police officers attached to Bello, aged 48, have also been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Their detention follows a directive issued by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordering their immediate withdrawal from the former governor. Police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the officers were detained on suspicion of aiding and abetting Bello’s escape from operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who sought to arrest him at his Abuja residence.

The order for their withdrawal was communicated via a police wireless message, affirming the Nigeria Police’s directive to detach all officers assigned to Bello.

Furthermore, the Federal Government placed Bello on a watchlist for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering. The Nigeria Immigration Service, through its Comptroller General, issued a notice urging Bello’s arrest upon sighting him at any entry or exit point.

Bello had failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment by the EFCC on charges related to money laundering, despite being declared wanted by the commission.

The incident unfolded when the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, allegedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives by providing heavy security and escorting him away from his residence.

In response to these events, Bello’s media office accused the EFCC of persecution and criticized the filing of repetitive charges across different courts.

Meanwhile, concerns arise regarding Ododo’s absence from Friday’s oath-taking ceremony for the APC governorship primary election in Ondo State, amidst speculation that he might boycott the exercise due to ongoing security challenges and his mentor’s legal predicament.

The situation has prompted calls for accountability within the APC, with demands for Ododo’s suspension over allegations of shielding Bello from legal scrutiny.