The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked INTERPOL in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria to watch-list former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The EFCC's decision is based on credible intelligence suggesting potential flight risk.
The watch-list also includes Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, as the EFCC seeks to ensure Bello's presence at his July 17th court hearing in Abuja. Bello faces a 19-count charge for alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of N80.2 billion in public funds.
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Despite denying the allegations, Bello has missed previous court dates on June 13th and 27th, filing instead to transfer his trial to the Federal High Court in Lokoja. An EFCC source revealed multiple strategies are in play to prevent Bello from fleeing, including a watch-list request delivered by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during a recent visit to Tunisia.
The EFCC remains determined to bring Bello to justice and avoid setting a bad precedent. Bello's lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), has applied to withdraw from the case, noting a pending application to transfer the trial to Lokoja.
