The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has requested that INTERPOL place former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on a watchlist in six North African countries. The countries include Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. This decision was made based on credible intelligence.
The EFCC has taken this step ahead of Bello’s expected appearance in a Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17th. He is facing a 19-count charge for alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds totaling N80.2 billion. Despite denying the allegations, Bello has failed to appear in court on multiple occasions.
The EFCC has activated various options to ensure Bello’s appearance in court, including working with INTERPOL to prevent him from fleeing the country. The EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, recently met with INTERPOL heads in North Africa to request that Bello be placed on a Red Alert in the region. This watchlist has taken immediate effect, and Bello will be arrested if found in any North African country.
The EFCC is determined to ensure that Bello faces trial and proves his innocence in court. This action is necessary to avoid setting a bad precedent and to uphold the law.