The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a female police officer who served as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. The ADC, along with other police officers assigned to the 48-year-old Bello, is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The detention of these officers follows an order issued by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday night, directing their immediate withdrawal from the former governor’s service. Sources within the police force, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, revealed that the officers were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting Bello’s escape from operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who had attempted to arrest him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.
According to one source interviewed by The Punch, “The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained… They were arrested on the order of the IG, on the suspicion that they aided and abetted the former governor’s escape from the EFCC on Wednesday.” Another source confirmed the detention of Bello’s ADC and other police officers, emphasizing their alleged involvement in aiding his escape.
Egbetokun’s order for the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello was communicated through a police wireless message. The directive underscored the importance of compliance and strict adherence to the order.
In addition to the police action, the Federal Government has placed Bello on a watch list. A document obtained exclusively by sources revealed to The Punch that the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service issued the directive, citing allegations of conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering against Bello. The document instructed authorities to arrest Bello if seen at any entry or exit point and to refer him to the appropriate investigative authorities.
Bello, who faces allegations of laundering a staggering sum of N80,246,470,088.88, was declared wanted by the EFCC. The commission’s notice, posted on its official X page, urged the public to provide information on his whereabouts.
Despite the legal proceedings against him, Bello failed to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment. He and three other suspects were arraigned in absentia on charges related to money laundering.
The events leading up to Bello’s evasion of arrest by EFCC operatives were marked by controversy. The incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, reportedly aided Bello’s escape from his residence, leading to a standoff between EFCC operatives and security personnel.
yahaya Bello and Governor obodo’s conspiracy
In response to the incident, the EFCC accused Bello of evading arrest and criticized the interference by Governor Ododo. Meanwhile, Bello’s media office denounced the allegations against him as part of a political witch-hunt orchestrated by the EFCC.
The unfolding situation has raised questions about the role of law enforcement agencies and the conduct of public officials in Nigeria. Calls for accountability and transparency have intensified, with some political figures urging the suspension of Governor Ododo pending further investigation into his actions.
As the case continues to evolve, it highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing corruption and ensuring accountability within Nigeria’s political landscape.
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