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EFCC Responds to Allegations of Disobeying Court Order in Yahaya Bello’s Case

The EFCC contends that its actions were in accordance with a prior order from the Federal High Court, authorizing Bello’s arrest for arraignment on criminal charges.
Critics may argue that the EFCC should have taken into account the order from the Kogi State High Court, which sought to protect Bello’s personal liberty and freedom of movement. Disregarding this order could be seen as a violation of Bello’s rights and a failure to uphold the principles of judicial independence and due process.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

EFCC Responds to Allegations of Disobeying Court Order in Yahaya Bello's Case

In a press release signed by Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, the commission sought to clarify the confusion surrounding the enforcement actions against Bello.

Uwujaren highlighted that although Bello had obtained a fundamental rights enforcement action from the Kogi State High Court, granting him some judicial protection, this order did not invalidate or override a prior order by the Federal High Court authorising his arrest for arraignment.

“The enrolled order of the Kogi State High Court only granted an order to enforce Bello’s right to personal liberty and freedom of movement,” Uwujaren stated, “but it didn’t preclude the Federal High Court ‘to make any order as it may deem just in the determination of the rights of the Applicant and the Respondent as may be submitted to her for consideration and determination.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) addresses the controversy surrounding the attempted arrest of the former Kogi State Governor.

The EFCC’s position is that the Federal High Court’s order for Bello’s arrest does not conflict with the order from the Kogi State High Court.

Uwujaren emphasised that the case before the Federal High Court pertains to criminal charges, distinct from the fundamental rights enforcement action subject to appeal.

Furthermore, Uwujaren reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to prosecuting politically exposed persons and emphasised the commission’s determination to combat corruption for the nation’s benefit. He called upon Yahaya Bello to surrender himself and face the charges laid against him by the commission.

In light of these developments, legal experts anticipate further proceedings in the fundamental rights enforcement action and the criminal charges against Yahaya Bello. The situation underscores the complexities of legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals and the importance of adherence to due process and judicial directives.

Exciting news!

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