Emmanuel OchayiThe Abuja Court of Appeal today will be the battleground for the continuous lawful tussle between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.
The EFCC is appealing against a Kogi court’s choice that ended Bello’s capture over corruption charges measuring to N80.2 billion.
The anti-graft agency’s attempt to prosecute Bello for alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds has hit a catch due to administering by a lower court, which barred the EFCC from taking any activity against Bello pending the assurance of his crucial human rights suit.
In a bid to thwart this obstacle, the EFCC approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an arrest warrant for Bello whereas the Kogi court was arbitrating his claim. In any case, their endeavors were upset when an endeavor to capture Bello in his Abuja home failed.
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The legal drama escalated as Bello’s planned arraignment was adjourned due to his nonappearance, provoking his legal team to bring the matter before the appeal court. Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), leading Bello’s lawful defense, contended against the EFCC’s application for an arrest warrant, emphasizing the ongoing appeal process.
On the other side, Kemi Pinehero, representing the EFCC, pressed for the trial to continue, stating the agency’s statutory mandate to examine and prosecute financial crimes.
In its request, the EFCC, represented by J.S. Okutepa (SAN), sought a stay of execution on the Kogi court’s order, contending that it obstructs the agency’s ability to fulfill its obligations under the EFCC Act 2004.
The EFCC condemned the lower court’s order as a prevention to its endeavors to combat financial crimes, underscoring the significance of its statutory capacities in upholding equity and accountability.
As the legal fight unfolds in the appellate court, the result will not only decide the destiny of Yahaya Bello but also shed light on the scope of the EFCC’s authority in combating corruption within the Nigerian political system.
