The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has publicly denied allegations that it has disobeyed a court order pertaining to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
The denial comes amidst ongoing discussions and legal scrutiny over the commission’s actions regarding the arrest and arraignment of Bello.
In a press statement released by Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, the commission clarified its position and legal stance concerning the botched arrest.
According to the statement, Bello had initiated a fundamental rights enforcement action, obtaining a protective order from Justice Isa Abdulallahi of the Kogi State High Court.
However, Uwujaren emphasized that this order does not override or invalidate a concurrent order issued by the Federal High Court, which explicitly mandates the arrest of the former governor to facilitate his arraignment.
The EFCC asserts that its actions are in compliance with the overarching legal framework, underlining its commitment to uphold the law while addressing high-profile cases of alleged financial misconduct.
Uwujaren said, “The enrolled order of the Kogi State High Court only granted an order to enforce Bello’s right to personal liberty and freedom of movement, it didn’t preclude the Federal High Court ‘to make any Order as it may deem just in the determination of the rights of the Applicant and the Respondent as may be submitted to her for consideration and determination.
“The order made by the Federal High Court for the arrest of Mr. Yahaya Bello, for the purpose of his arraignment, is not in conflict with the prder of the Kogi State High Court. The case before the Federal High Court is a criminal charge that is different from the fundamental rights enforcement action that is the subject of an appeal.”
Uwujaren pointed out that the EFCC had a track record in the prosecution of politically exposed persons and would continue to exercise its mandate in the overall interest of the nation.
He admonished Bello to turn himself in and answer to the charges preferred against him by the commission.
He called on all patriotic Nigerians to lend their voices in support of the Commission, stressing that ” the EFCC will not relent in its quest to wrestle corruption to the ground”
