Asking President Bola Tinubu for intervention, the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, urged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) be called to order following a recent incident where EFCC operatives raided his Abuja residence in an attempt to arrest him.
Bello emphasized the need for Tinubu to caution the agency for disregarding a standing court order and causing disgraceful disruptions at his residence.
His plea came in reaction to the siege laid by EFCC operatives at his Abuja home, which led to a halt in vehicular movements within the vicinity.
In a statement released by his Media Office, Bello highlighted that EFCC’s actions contradicted a court order issued on February 9, 2024, by the Kogi State High Court in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 involving Alhaji Yahaya Bello and EFCC.
The court order specifically prohibited EFCC or its representatives from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him until the substantive rights enforcement proceedings were completed.
According to the statement, the attempted arrest at Bello’s residence disregarded the injunction issued by the High Court, and the matter was already scheduled for judgment later that day in Lokoja.
Expressing disappointment in EFCC’s actions, the statement pointed out that the agency was served with the court order and had filed an appeal against it, with a motion for stay of execution awaiting hearing at the Court of Appeal in April 2024.
Bello’s Media Office urged for a sense of legal propriety to be upheld, especially in light of the current administration’s commitment to the rule of law under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement raised concerns about EFCC potentially being influenced by political agendas, tarnishing its integrity and Nigeria’s rule of law in the process.
Reflecting on the broader implications of disregarding court orders, the statement highlighted the negative impact such actions could have on the nation’s economy and overall stability.
Furthermore, it criticized EFCC’s alleged motives, suggesting a pattern of targeted harassment against Bello through unsubstantiated claims, dating back to 2015.
The statement warned of damaging repercussions if EFCC continued down this path, potentially undermining the integrity of the Commission and the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
In conclusion, Bello’s Media Office called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that EFCC adhered to legal procedures, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law in all circumstances.