By Ebi Kesiena
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has been placed on a watchlist in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria ahead of his scheduled appearance before a Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17.
This move comes at the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which has enlisted INTERPOL’s assistance in these North African nations, according to a report by the Nation.
An EFCC source revealed, “We are aware of a botched exit attempt to Morocco via Cameroon. We are determined to prevent him from fleeing into exile.”
EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who was recently in Tunisia to deliver a paper on illicit financial flows, met with INTERPOL heads from North Africa to discuss the intelligence on Bello. “He formally requested that INTERPOL place Bello on Red Alert in all North African countries, and the request was accepted,” the source said.
Bello is also reportedly on watchlists in Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. He faces a 19-count charge from the EFCC, which includes allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
The former governor has missed multiple court appearances, including those on April 18, April 23, May 10, June 13, and June 27, further delaying his arraignment. Instead of attending court, Bello has consistently sent his lawyers to request that the case be transferred to the court’s division in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
In its efforts to apprehend Bello, the EFCC is considering all options, including a potential operation at the Kogi State Government House, where he is believed to be hiding.
