Today, the Court of Appeal in Abuja is set to review the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) challenge against a Kogi State High Court’s decision that barred the arrest of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The Kogi State High Court had previously issued an order on February 9, 2024, preventing the EFCC from taking any action against Bello while his fundamental rights case was pending.
The EFCC aims to prosecute Bello on 19 charges related to money laundering and misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
In an attempt to enforce the law, the EFCC sought an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja, coinciding with the Kogi court’s judgment on Bello’s rights suit.
Despite obtaining the warrant, the EFCC was unable to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence.
The situation led to a postponement of Bello’s court arraignment to April 23, as announced by Justice Nwite.
Bello’s legal team, headed by Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), argued against the EFCC’s actions, citing the ongoing appeal process.
The EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinehero, maintained that the trial should proceed.
Through its solicitor J.S. Okutepa (SAN), the EFCC is requesting a stay on the Kogi court’s order, asserting its statutory role to investigate and prosecute economic offenses under the EFCC Act.
“The orders granted ex parte on the 9th of February 2024 constitute a clog in the progress of the appellant/applicant’s performance of its statutory functions and duties under the EFCC Act 2004,” the EFCC said.
