The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has ordered immediate withdrawal of the police officers attached to the former embattled governor of kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The withdrawl order was contained in a document with reference number: “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 read in part.

According to the statement, “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.”

Also, the Nigerian Immigration Service had earlier placed Bello on its watchlist.

The antigraft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared the former governor wanted.

Bello was charged to court and was to be arraigned yesterday but he did not appear in the court.

Bello is facing a money laundering charge of N80.2bn.

This came after the EFCC was granted a warrant of arrest by the Federal High Court in Abuja to apprehend Bello.

The EFCC has laid siege on his house to arrest him last Wednesday by the suspect was saved by his successor governor, Mr. Usman Ododo of Kogi state who drove into the compound of Bello and whisked him away.

Before Police Force foiled the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello

Bello, alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, were to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on 19 counts related to money laundering.

Before the arrival of Governor Ododo, reports stated that some armed young men and police officers attached to Bello foiled EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello.

The Nigerian Immigration Service had in its statement said, “Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering vide letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/ TE/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 2024.

“If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.”

Bello has been declared wanted by the EFCC which is calling on any member of the public with useful information about his whereabouts to contact the commission’s office.