Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has rejected an offer from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to suspend the execution of an arrest warrant issued against him on April 17. Bello's lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), stated before a Federal High Court in Abuja that the offer, made by EFCC's Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), was unacceptable as it is not recognized by law.
Pinheiro had proposed that the arrest order would not be executed if Bello physically attended court and that he would apply for the warrant to be set aside if Bello complied. However, Adedipe argued against the offer, stating it lacked legal basis.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC's application for the service of the charge on Bello through substituted means, overruling objections from Bello's lawyer. The charge and accompanying documents were handed to Bello's lead lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed (SAN), who accepted them in court.
Adedipe subsequently applied for the arrest warrant to be vacated, citing Section 394 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). However, Pinheiro objected, citing Section 396(2) of the ACJA, which stipulates that the court cannot hear any applications from the defendant until after arraignment.
The defence argued that the EFCC is not a legal body, as its establishment was not ratified by all State Houses of Assembly as required. Pinheiro disagreed, asserting that the EFCC's legality had been settled previously. The court has adjourned till May 10 for the ruling.
