Pressure Mounts on Yahaya Bello as IGP Withdraws Ex Gov's Policemen Amid EFCC Standoff

• The police boss in Nigeria, 'Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn all police officers attached to the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello
• Legit.ng reports that the order for the withdrawal was contained in a police wireless message
• The former governor has been having a running battle with the EFCC before finishing his tenure as governor in January 2024

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.

FCT, Abuja - Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has withdrawn all police officers attached to the embattled immediate past governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.

As reported by The Punch on Friday, April 19, the directive was contained in a police message.

The document with reference number CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 read in part:

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EFCC arrest: Presidency tells Yahaya Bello what to do, whom to call

“IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former executive governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

“Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

Yahaya Bello vs EFCC

EFCC is finally bringing Bello to trial, accusing him of money laundering involving over N80 billion, after years of beaming searchlight on him and family members.

The commission’s longtime investigations of the former governor had resulted in the N10 billion money laundering charges it instituted against his nephew, Ali Bello, and a co-defendant in 2022.

The prosecution named former governor Bello in one of the newly introduced counts as an accomplice, but not as a defendant.

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• Kogi high court restrains EFCC from arresting, detaining, prosecuting Yahaya Bello
• Gunshots as Ododo smuggles Yahaya Bello out of former governor's Abuja residence
• Confusion as EFCC obtains warrant to arrest former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello

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EFCC reacts after Ododo escapes with Bello

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the EFCC said it would no longer tolerate obstruction of its operations.

The agency's warning came hours after Bello was whisked away from his Abuja residence by his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo on Wednesday, April 17.

In a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, its spokesperson, the EFCC said it is a criminal offence to obstruct its officers from carrying out their duties.

Source: Legit.ng