The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all officers attached to former Governor Yahaya Bello.

The EFCC declared Mr Bello wanted for allegedly stealing N80 billion from the Kogi state treasury.

The police chief directed that compliance with the directives be treated with utmost importance. 

A police document with reference number CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 said, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. 

“Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

It is unclear if the police authorities have the powers to withdraw cops providing security cover for an ex-governor. However, Mr Bello is considered a fugitive by the EFCC and the NIS.

 The police chief’s directive came days after EFCC on Wednesday laid an hours-long siege to arrest the former governor and attempt to prosecute him in court for his alleged crimes during his eight years as governor of the state. 

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a red alert directing all security outfits, including the State Security Service, to arrest Mr Bello.

Mr Bello is on the run for allegedly stealing N80 billion from Kogi coffers during his eight-year stint as governor between 2015 and 2023. He refused to surrender himself for arrest on Wednesday when anti-graft operatives besieged his Abuja residence.