EFCC considers seeking Military help to find Yahaya Bello

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State.

The adjournment, set for April 23, 2024, was prompted by the pursuit of substituted service and the possible arraignment of Bello for alleged money laundering amounting to a sum of N84 billion.

During the proceedings, EFCC Counsel, Kemi Phinro, revealed to the court about Bello’s absence from court for his arraignment.

Phinro alleged that Bello’s absence was facilitated by an individual enjoying immunity.

He noted that the former governor was reportedly whisked away from his Abuja residence by the same person with immunity.

Phinro stated that the anti-graft agency may seek the assistance of the military in apprehending him and bringing him to court.

In response, Bello’s legal representative, Abdulwahab Muhammad, stated that a court order issued by the Kogi State High Court on February 9, 2024, prohibited the EFCC from arresting or arraigning his client.

Muhammad noted that EFCC’s actions were unconstitutional and beyond the court’s jurisdiction, citing the ongoing appeal of the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, the counsel for the EFCC disagreed with the submission of the counsel to Bello.

It held that the ruling in the substantive matter of the suit was delivered on March 17, 2024, by the Kogi State High Court.

He clarified that the court, in its ruling, held that for the former governor to be arrested or arraigned, the EFCC must first seek leave from the court to do so.

He stated that the EFCC filed an exparte application seeking the arrest of the former governor, which was granted by the court, in accordance with that judgement.

However, Bello’s counsel insisted before the court that the order for the ex-governor’s arrest was issued outside of the court’s jurisdiction.

He said the former governor is not a fugitive but is relying on the order of the Kogi State High Court to take protection.