The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action following suspicions of collusion in aiding the escape of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, from law enforcement.
Sources within the police hierarchy confirmed that the female aide-de-camp (ADC) and several other police officers attached to Bello have been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
This development comes after the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, issued a directive on Thursday night for the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from Bello’s security detail.
The move follows Bello’s evasion of arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.
According to senior police sources speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the detained ADC and officers are under investigation for their suspected involvement in facilitating Bello’s escape.
The detention of Bello’s security personnel marks a critical development in the ongoing legal challenges facing the former governor.
Bello who is embroiled in allegations of corruption dating back to his tenure as governor, and his evasion of arrest has intensified scrutiny of his activities.
One of the sources said, “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 said, “Yahaya Bello’s female ADC and other police officers attached to him were brought to the command this morning, and they’ve been detained for aiding and abetting (the governor’s escape).”
Egbetokun had, on Thursday night, ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello.
The order reads, “CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.
“DOPS ABUJA X BEGINS X CB:4001/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.21/
“Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please above for your information and strict compliance.”
