The Nigeria Police Force has detained a female police officer who served as the aide-de-camp to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The ADC was apprehended alongside other police officers attached to the 48-year-old Bello and is currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Their detention follows a directive issued Thursday night by Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordering their immediate withdrawal from the former governor.
Senior police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, revealed that “the officers were arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting Bello’s escape from operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who attempted to arrest him at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.”
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One source stated, “The ADC and the other police details attached to Yahaya Bello have been arrested and detained.”
Another source confirmed the detention, stating, “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).
“Furthermore, the withdrawal order for all police officers attached to Bello was issued by Egbetokun on Thursday night and conveyed through a police wireless message. The directive instructed strict compliance, emphasizing the importance of the action.”
Also, the document stated, “Nigeria police have ordered the withdrawal of all men. Police attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance.”
Meanwhile, the detention of Bello’s security details highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement authorities are treating the matter. It underscores the suspicion surrounding the circumstances of Bello’s evasion from EFCC operatives and suggests a belief that his security team played a role in facilitating his escape.
The involvement of police officers in aiding a suspect’s escape raises concerns about the integrity and professionalism of law enforcement personnel. It prompts questions about accountability and adherence to the rule of law within the police force.
Efforts to address the situation are ongoing, with authorities likely conducting investigations into the actions of both Bello and his security team. The outcome of these investigations will determine the appropriate legal measures to be taken.