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Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Finally Honors EFCC Invitation

Published

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 05:08 PM

Written by Daukoru Grey

Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Finally Honors EFCC Invitation

Report says the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has finally responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor, who had previously been declared wanted over allegations of money laundering and other corrupt activities amounting to N80.2 billion, appeared before the anti-graft agency after extensive consultations.

In a statement obtained by our correspondent, Mr Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Bello decided to honor the invitation following discussions with his family, legal team, and political allies.

The former governor emphasized that his previous actions were aimed at securing his fundamental human rights and ensuring due process, adding that he remains a firm supporter of the rule of law.

The statement reads: “The case has been before a competent court, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been represented by his legal team at every hearing. The former governor has now chosen to appear before the EFCC to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide or fear.” Bello also expressed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable economic development and combat corruption in the country.

He highlighted that his administration in Kogi State was the first to implement anti-corruption mechanisms aimed at curbing graft and ensuring public resources benefited the people.

According to the statement, the former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters accompanied by several prominent Nigerians. His media office expressed hope that the commission would respect his fundamental rights during their interactions.

Last month on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja ordered Yahaya Bello to present himself before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, for arraignment before any further action could be undertaken in his case. The ruling was part of a unanimous judgment of the Appeal Court Justices, delivered by Hon Justice I.K. Amadi in the appeal filed by J.S. Okutepa, SAN on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against the judgment of Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court in the fundamental right case filed by Bello in February 2024 in relation to his prosecution by the Commission.

The Appeal Court Justices further held that the freeing of Yahaya Bello from EFCC’s prosecution by Justice Jamil of the Kogi State High Court “under the guise of enforcing his fundamental rights was “scandalous,” noting that “It is very clear that the purpose of the case instituted at the trial court was to shield the respondent Yahaya Bello from his criminal trial.”

Relying on the earlier ruling of the Appeal Court by Justice Oyewole in EFCC vs Yahaya Bello, CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024, the Justices reiterated that "no Court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.”

In upholding EFCC’s application for the quashing of Justice Jamil’s fundamental rights shield on Yahaya Bello, the Justices agreed with the appeal of the Commission, stating that it is “meritorious and is therefore allowed.”

More importantly, the Justices drew authority from the provision of Section 396(2) of ACJA, and ordered Yahaya Bello to show up in court for his arraignment before any further action can be taken regarding his trial.

Yahaya Bello is facing prosecution by the EFCC alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80,246,470,089.88k (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty-nine Naira and Eighty- eight kobo). He has consistently refused to take a plea before the court in spite of several attempts made by the EFCC to this effect.

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Edited By: Our Correspondent

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Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Finally Honors EFCC Invitation

Report says the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has finally responded to an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor, who had previously been declared wanted over allegations of money laundering and other corrupt activities amounting to N80.2 billion, appeared before the anti-graft agency after extensive consultations.

In a statement obtained by our correspondent, Mr Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, on Wednesday, it was confirmed that Bello decided to honor the invitation following discussions with his family, legal team, and political allies.

The former governor emphasized that his previous actions were aimed at securing his fundamental human rights and ensuring due process, adding that he remains a firm supporter of the rule of law.

He highlighted that his administration in Kogi State was the first to implement anti-corruption mechanisms aimed at curbing graft and ensuring public resources benefited the people.

According to the statement, the former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters accompanied by several prominent Nigerians. His media office expressed hope that the commission would respect his fundamental rights during their interactions.

Relying on the earlier ruling of the Appeal Court by Justice Oyewole in EFCC vs Yahaya Bello, CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024, the Justices reiterated that "no Court has the power to preclude a law enforcement agent from performing its statutory functions.”

In upholding EFCC’s application for the quashing of Justice Jamil’s fundamental rights shield on Yahaya Bello, the Justices agreed with the appeal of the Commission, stating that it is “meritorious and is therefore allowed.”

More importantly, the Justices drew authority from the provision of Section 396(2) of ACJA, and ordered Yahaya Bello to show up in court for his arraignment before any further action can be taken regarding his trial.

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