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Yahaya Bello Urges Tinubu to Intervene as EFCC Attempts Arrest Contrary to Court Order
By Iyojo Ameh
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, finds himself at the center of a legal and political storm as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempts to effect his arrest, defying a standing court order.
Bello’s media office issued a statement on Wednesday, detailing the early morning arrival of individuals identifying themselves as EFCC officers at his residence in Wuse Zone 4.
The attempted arrest comes despite a court injunction issued on February 9, 2024, by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, in Suit No.
The EFCC was duly served with the order on February 12, 2024, prompting an appeal filed by the agency on February 26, 2024, with the Court of Appeal Abuja division.
According to Bello’s media office, the Court of Appeal was set to hear the EFCC’s appeal and motion for stay of execution of the order on April 22, 2024.
Additionally, judgment in the substantive case between Bello and the EFCC was scheduled for delivery at noon on the same day in Lokoja.
The statement further criticized the EFCC’s actions as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and accused the agency of pursuing a politically motivated agenda.
Bello’s media team highlighted the potential repercussions of law enforcement agencies flouting court orders, warning of the adverse effects on Nigeria’s economy and reputation.
Furthermore, the statement alleged a pattern of harassment and intimidation by the EFCC, citing what it described as “spurious allegations” dating back to September 2015, predating Bello’s assumption of office.
It claimed that there were ongoing efforts to fabricate additional charges against the former governor, which could further tarnish the EFCC’s integrity and Nigeria’s image on the international stage.
In a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bello urged the leader to intervene and ensure that the EFCC operates within the bounds of the law.
The statement underscored Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law and called for his intervention to safeguard legal integrity and prevent further erosion of public trust in law enforcement agencies.
