In response to former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello’s claim that the EFCC defied a court order in trying to arrest him for an alleged N84bn theft, human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN stated that no court can shield Bello from prosecution now that he no longer enjoys immunity.
Falana emphasized that a former governor in Nigeria does not have lifelong immunity from arrest and prosecution.
He pointed out that a High Court order preventing the arrest of a criminal suspect does not deter another court from taking legal action against the individual, citing the case of Orji Kalu versus the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2016) 39 WRN 53 as an example.
In light of this, Falana recommended that the Inspector General of Police withdraw the police officers from Bello’s residence, as their interference in the EFCC’s attempt to arrest the suspect constitutes obstruction of justice.
Earlier this week, EFCC operatives cordoned off Bello’s residence in Abuja, as the agency pursues corruption charges against him and his nephew. The charges include allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N84 billion.
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Efforts to apprehend Bello by the EFCC have faced obstacles, with the agency yet to comment on the recent developments at the former governor’s home.