Yahaya Bello Hiding in Kogi Government House as EFCC Issues Global Red Notice

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has been hiding in the Kogi state government house since being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to reports from The Cable.  This development follows the EFCC’s issuance of a Red Notice to Interpol, based on an arrest warrant from a federal high court in Abuja.

The Red Notice, a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition or surrender, means Bello can now be apprehended in any Interpol member country. Exceptions include Micronesia, North Korea, Palau, and Tuvalu, which are not part of the international police organization.

Failed Arrest and Charges

In April, the EFCC declared Bello wanted over allegations of an N80 billion fraud. Prior to this, EFCC operatives attempted to arrest him at his Abuja residence. During the siege, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Bello’s handpicked successor, reportedly intervened, facilitating the former governor’s escape.

Following this incident, Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation, warned against obstructing the EFCC’s operations. Subsequently, the Nigeria Immigration Service placed Bello on a watchlist, and the police headquarters ordered the withdrawal of officers attached to him.

Financial Misconduct Allegations

Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, later alleged that Bello withdrew $720,000 from Kogi’s coffers to pay his child’s school fees in advance. Additionally, the EFCC filed a 19-count charge against him for alleged money laundering. However, Bello’s arraignment has been delayed due to his absence.

In May, Bello’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, informed the court that the former governor’s whereabouts were unknown and that he had safety concerns. In a recent effort to tighten the net around Bello, the EFCC asked Interpol operatives in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria to place him on their watchlists