Appeal Court Fails to Hear EFCC’s Suit Against Order Restraining Yahaya Bello’s Arrest

The Court of Appeal in Abuja faced an unexpected hurdle as it failed to convene to hear the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a Kogi High Court’s decision restraining the agency from arresting former governor Yahaya Bello.

Last week, the Kogi court issued an order preventing the EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting Bello, further complicating the legal battle surrounding allegations of money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.

The situation escalated when EFCC operatives reportedly attempted to arrest Bello at his residence in Abuja, leading to a tense standoff.

In response, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) urged Bello to submit himself to the EFCC, emphasizing the need for compliance with the law.

Efforts by the EFCC to secure an arrest warrant through the Federal High Court in Abuja were partially successful, with Justice Emeka Nwite issuing the warrant and scheduling Bello’s arraignment for April 18.