The Court of Appeal in Abuja encountered a setback on Monday as it failed to convene for the anticipated hearing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appeal against a Kogi High Court’s injunction restraining the arrest of former governor Yahaya Bello.
The restraining order, issued by Judge I.A Jamil of the Kogi High Court on April 17, prohibited the EFCC from taking any action against Bello, including arrest, detention, or prosecution. This ruling came amidst the backdrop of a reported “siege” on Bello’s residence in Abuja by EFCC operatives, heightening tensions surrounding the case.
Bello, facing allegations totaling N80.2 billion in money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds, has been at the center of a legal battle with the EFCC determined to bring him to justice.
The EFCC, undeterred by the Kogi court’s order, swiftly sought an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja through an ex parte motion. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the motion, issuing a warrant for Bello’s immediate arrest and scheduling his arraignment for April 18.
However, the legal saga continues to unfold as the Court of Appeal’s failure to hear the EFCC’s appeal adds another layer of complexity to the high-profile case. With legal maneuvers and judicial decisions shaping the trajectory of this controversy, the fate of Yahaya Bello hangs in the balance amidst mounting legal scrutiny and public attention.
