EFCC seeks INTERPOL help to watch-list Yahaya Bello across North Africa amid money laundering charges. Nigerians are skeptical of international pursuit as Bello evades local arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified efforts to apprehend former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello by urging INTERPOL to place him on a watch list in North African countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. This move comes after Bello, facing charges including money laundering and misappropriation of N80.2 billion, repeatedly failed to appear before Nigerian courts. Despite a recent attempt to flee to Morocco via Cameroon, Bello remains elusive within Nigeria, prompting the EFCC's international pursuit.
The EFCC's decision was underscored by credible intelligence suggesting Bello's evasion tactics and attempts to avoid legal accountability. The agency's Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, personally engaged with INTERPOL heads in North Africa to secure their cooperation. This action aims to prevent Bello from seeking asylum or evading justice abroad, a concern exacerbated by his persistent absence from court hearings.
In response, Nigerians have expressed skepticism and frustration over the EFCC's strategy. Critics argue that if Bello can evade arrest within Nigeria, expecting foreign countries to detain him seems impractical.
