The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted allegations of disobeying a court order regarding former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, amidst ongoing debates on the matter.
In a press statement released by the EFCC’s acting Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, the anti-graft agency clarified its position, stating that it had not violated any court order in relation to Bello.
Uwujaren emphasized that while Bello had obtained a court order from Justice Isa Abdulallahi of the Kogi State High Court, granting him protection under fundamental rights enforcement, this order did not invalidate a separate order issued by the Federal High Court for Bello’s arrest in connection with pending criminal charges.
He clarified, “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 from issuing any further orders related to the case.”
According to Uwujaren, the Federal High Court’s arrest order was issued within the scope of criminal proceedings distinct from the fundamental rights enforcement action addressed by the Kogi State High Court.
Asserting the EFCC’s commitment to prosecuting politically exposed individuals, Uwujaren urged Bello to present himself to authorities and respond to the charges filed against him by the commission.
The statement from the EFCC comes amidst heightened scrutiny and debate surrounding Bello’s legal status and the enforcement of court orders related to his case.
