EFCC Makes U-Turn, Withdraws Case Against Yahaya Bello

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made a U-turn in a case against the embattled ex-Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The EFCC formally withdrew its appeal against a Kogi high court order that restrained it from arresting Yahaya Bello, the former governor of the state.

In a notice filed on April 22 and signed by its counsel, J.S Okutepa, SAN, the EFCC stated that the withdrawal was based on the fact that subsequent events had rendered the appeal unnecessary.

“The appellant herein intends to and do hereby wholly withdraw her appeal against the respondent in the above mentioned appeal.

“This notice of withdrawal is predicated on the fact that; on April 17, 2024, the application filed by the appellant herein was overtaken by the decision of the same high court of Kogi state,” Okutepa stated.

He further clarified, “The orders made ex parte by Jamil on February 9, 2024, in the said suit which is the subject of this appeal, was made to last pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion on notice which was finally determined by Jamil J. on April 17, 2024.

“Furthermore, the notice of appeal was filed out of time and we, therefore, pray that the appeal be struck out for being filed out of time and incompetent.”

The legal maneuvering began when, on February 8, Bello initiated a fundamental rights enforcement suit, seeking protection from what he termed as “incessant harassment” by the EFCC. The Kogi high court granted an interim injunction on February 9, restraining the EFCC from taking further actions against Bello pending the determination of the case.

Despite the EFCC’s subsequent appeal against the interim injunction, the Kogi high court delivered a judgment on the substantive motion on notice on April 17, reiterating the injunction and directing the EFCC to file charges against Bello if necessary.

This development followed recent events where EFCC operatives sought to arrest Bello at his Abuja residence, coinciding with the commission’s prior obtaining of a warrant of arrest against him from the Abuja federal high court.

The EFCC had intended to arraign Bello on charges including money laundering and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion, but his absence during the scheduled arraignment on April 18, coupled with arguments regarding jurisdiction and legal procedures, complicated the legal proceedings.