The Court of Appeal in Abuja is set to hear the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a Kogi State High Court order that barred the agency from arresting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The Kogi court's ruling on February 9, 2024, restrained the EFCC from taking any action against Bello pending the determination of a fundamental rights suit he filed.
The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts related to money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion. Despite the Kogi court's order, the EFCC sought an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja, leading to a failed attempt to arrest Bello at his Abuja home.
As a result of the failed arrest, Bello was unable to be arraigned in court the next day, leading to an adjournment of the proceedings. Although Bello was absent to take his plea, his legal team informed the court of the ongoing appeal.
The EFCC is appealing for a stay of execution of the Kogi court's order, arguing that it obstructs the agency's statutory functions. The EFCC maintains that it has the authority to investigate and prosecute economic crimes under its Establishment Act. The appeal seeks to overturn the order and allow the EFCC to proceed with its case against Bello.
