The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed Kogi ex-governor Yahaya Bello on red alert asking all security outfits including the nation’s secret police, State Security Service, to arrest him wherever he is seen.

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.

In a memo signed by Assistant Comptroller General, DS Umar, and sent to the police inspector-general, the NIS urged security operatives to nab the fleeing ex-governor to face prosecution.

“I am directed to inform you that the above named person has been placed on watch list,” Mr Umar wrote in the memo on Thursday. “The subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for conspiracy, breach of trust and money laundering.”

“If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action,” stated the memo which was also sent ro the director-general of the National Intelligence Agency.

Mr Bello failed to appear before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Thursday where a hearing had been scheduled for him to defend charges instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ex-governor’s absence before the court and unknown whereabouts led the commission to declare him wanted on Thursday.

Despite owing workers months of unpaid salaries, Mr Bello was able to cough out N100 million to buy the All Progressives Congress presidential form which he knew he stood no chance of winning.