Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-04-17 17:18:14
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made a significant move by withdrawing its operatives from the home of former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. This decision was made in light of allegations of fraud surrounding Bello. The EFCC operatives had initially set up surveillance around Bello’s home on No 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, with the intention of effecting his arrest. However, they retreated shortly after the current Governor, Usmaan Ododo, paid a visit around 4.30 pm.
It was unclear whether Ododo, who arrived at Bello’s premises with his convoy around 2.30 pm, went to see the former governor or left him behind. The withdrawal of EFCC operatives was due to a court order that restrained the commission from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting the former Kogi governor. A High Court in Lokoja, Kogi issued this order in a suit brought by Bello to enforce his fundamental rights against the EFCC.
In the two-hour judgment delivered at High Court 4 by Hon. Justice I.A Jamil, the court explicitly prohibited the EFCC from taking any action against Bello without prior authorization from the court. This came after an interim injunction was previously granted. The court also prevented the respondents from continuing to persecute Bello, providing a protective shield around his rights.
The courtroom drama continued as the EFCC challenged the court’s jurisdiction, only to have their objection dismissed. Bello’s counsel, SA Abbas and MS Yusuf, hailed the judgment as a landmark decision, while the defendant’s counsels, T.U Odima and Patrick O. Jibril, also acknowledged the thoroughness of the judgment.
This legal battle has significant implications for the ongoing case against Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The EFCC’s retreat from his home marks a turning point in the investigation into the allegations of fraud. With the court’s intervention, Bello’s fundamental rights are being protected, and the EFCC is being held accountable for their actions. The drama surrounding this high-profile case is far from over, as both sides continue to navigate the complex legal terrain.
As the news of the EFCC’s withdrawal spreads, questions arise about the next steps in the case against Bello. Will the EFCC be able to gather enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution? How will Bello’s legal team use this court order to strengthen their defense? The unfolding events in the legal battle between Bello and the EFCC will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of this case and shed light on the intricacies of combating corruption in Nigeria.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
