According to a report from The Nation, Yahaya Bello's absence from court has raised significant concerns, prompting the EFCC to take action.
The anti-graft agency has requested INTERPOL to watchlist Yahaya Bello across North Africa, as he evades local arrest.
Bello faces a 19-count charge for alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to about N80.2 billion.
Tensions rise as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asked INTERPOL in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria to place former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello on its watchlist.
The EFCC's decision to involve these countries is based on credible intelligence. According to The Nation, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan are also included in the watchlist.
Sources from the EFCC indicate that various options are being considered to address the situation, including the possibility of storming the Kogi state Government House in Lokoja, where Bello is believed to be hiding, as reported by Leadership.
The watchlist activation comes ahead of the former governor's expected appearance before a Federal High Court in Abuja on July 17.
An EFCC source mentioned that "ahead of the next hearing of the case, EFCC has activated many options, including taking concrete action to watchlist Bello in North Africa," amid rumors that Bello is planning to go into exile.