A High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has issued a restraining order against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding its actions towards Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State. The judgment, delivered by Hon. Justice I.A Jamil at High Court 4, came after a two-hour proceeding in suit no HCL/68/M/2020.
The court’s decision prohibits the EFCC from infringing on Bello’s fundamental human rights by arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him unless authorized by the court. This definitive order follows an earlier interim injunction provided by the court.
The case was brought before the court by Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who sought to enforce his fundamental rights against the EFCC. In addition to restraining the EFCC from taking certain actions against Bello, the court also barred the respondents from continuing to persecute him.
During the proceedings, the court dismissed the EFCC’s challenge to its jurisdiction, paving the way for the substantive issues to be addressed.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel for Alhaji Yahaya Bello, SA Abbas and MS Yusuf, hailed it as a landmark decision. On the other hand, the defendant’s counsel, T.U Odima and Patrick O. Jibril, expressed their agreement with the judgment, lauding its thoroughness.
The ruling marks a significant development in the legal battle between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the case. As the matter progresses, stakeholders await further legal proceedings to determine the outcome of the dispute.