The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has requested the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL, to place former Kogi
According to EFCC sources, this action is based on credible intelligence and extends to Egypt, Libya, and Sudan.
Insiders within the anti-graft agency disclosed that various strategies are being considered to address the situation, including the possibility of raiding the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja, where Bello is believed to be hiding.
They said the watch-listing was activated in anticipation of Bello’s expected court appearance on July 17, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bello faces a 19-count charge, including allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N80.2 billion.
Despite denying the allegations, he has repeatedly failed to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite on scheduled dates in June.
An EFCC source stated, “Ahead of the next hearing of the case, EFCC has activated many options, including taking concrete action to watch-list Bello in North Africa. We are aware of a botched exit to Morocco via Cameroon and are determined to prevent him from fleeing into exile.”
The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, recently traveled to Tunisia and met with INTERPOL leaders from North Africa to request that Bello be placed on a Red Alert. This request was approved, and the watch-listing was implemented immediately.
“We took this step because we suspect that Bello has been biding his time to avoid arraignment. We expect him to appear in court to prove his innocence. The EFCC must do its job to prevent setting a bad precedent,” the source added.
