EFCC’s Bid to Arrest Ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Heads to Appeal Court
The legal tussle between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over his alleged involvement in an N80.2 billion fraud case takes a pivotal turn today as the Court of Appeal in Abuja hears the anti-graft agency’s appeal.
The EFCC is challenging a February 9th ruling by a Kogi State High Court that barred the commission from “inviting, arresting, detaining or prosecuting” Bello pending the determination of a fundamental rights suit filed by the former governor.
The appeal follows a dramatic sequence of events last week. After securing an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC operatives visited Bello’s residence in the nation’s capital in an attempt to take him into custody. However, their efforts were thwarted, leading to the former governor’s inability to be arraigned the next day as scheduled.
During the scheduled arraignment on April 19th, Bello’s legal team, led by Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), informed Justice Nwite of the pending appeal, arguing that the EFCC’s application for an arrest warrant was improper given the ongoing legal proceedings.
The EFCC, represented by J.S. Okutepa (SAN), is now seeking a stay of execution on the Kogi court’s order, contending that it obstructs the commission’s statutory functions and duties under the EFCC Act.
In its appeal, the anti-graft agency asserts its mandate to investigate and prosecute economic crimes, emphasizing that the court order impedes its ability to perform these critical responsibilities.
The high-stakes case revolves around 19 counts of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N80.2 billion allegedly committed by Bello during his tenure as Kogi’s chief executive.
As the Appeal Court prepares to hear arguments from both sides, legal experts and observers are closely watching this pivotal juncture in the EFCC’s pursuit of the former governor. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the agency’s ability to hold public officials accountable for alleged financial crimes.
For Yahaya Bello, a ruling in favor of the EFCC could pave the way for his imminent arrest and prosecution, representing a significant fall from power for the once-influential political figure. Conversely, a decision upholding the Kogi court’s order would grant him a temporary reprieve and potentially prolong the legal battle.
As EFCC’s Bid to Arrest Ex-Kogi Governor Nigeria grapples with issues of corruption and accountability within its political ranks, the Yahaya Bello case has emerged as a high-profile test of the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and its ability to prosecute alleged misconduct at the highest levels of government.
Reference
Appeal Court hears EFCC appeal against Yahaya Bello’s arrest today published in Punch