In response to the recent publication/press statement titled ‘YAHAYA BELLO: EFCC NEVER DISOBEYED COURT ORDER’, issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 22nd, 2024, and signed by Wilson Uwujaren, its Acting Director of Public Affairs, a comprehensive analysis reveals significant discrepancies and falsehoods.
The statement from the EFCC attempts to portray the former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, as a fugitive from justice, thereby justifying the agency’s alleged defiance of lawful court orders. However, a closer examination of official records and court documents reveals a different narrative.
Key Points Disputed:
- Absence of Formal Invitation: The EFCC claims to have extended an invitation to Alhaji Yahaya Bello immediately after his tenure ended on January 27th, 2024. However, no evidence of this invitation has been produced, raising doubts about its authenticity.
- Preemptive Charges: Prior to any alleged invitation, the EFCC amended Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 on February 5th, 2023, implicating Yahaya Bello in financial misconduct. This action suggests a predetermined intention to arrest him.
- Improbable Accusations: The timelines presented by the EFCC for its allegations predate Yahaya Bello’s inauguration as Governor in January 2016, casting doubt on the validity of the charges.
- Legal Action and Court Orders: Yahaya Bello filed a Fundamental Rights Enforcement action (Suit No. HCL/68M/2024) with the High Court of Justice, Kogi State, on February 8th, 2024, seeking protection under the law. The court subsequently issued an order restraining the EFCC from further action against him.
- EFCC’s Disregard for Court Orders: Despite the court order, the EFCC proceeded to file additional charges against Yahaya Bello on March 6th, 2024, in violation of the judicial directive.
- Timing of Arrest Attempt: Contrary to the EFCC’s narrative, evidence suggests that an attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello was underway before the Kogi State High Court ruling on April 17th, 2024, invalidating the agency’s subsequent actions.
- Assault on Rights: The judgment of the High Court of Justice, Kogi State, highlights the EFCC’s disregard for legal procedures and citizens’ rights, prompting calls for accountability and reform within the agency.
Conclusion: The EFCC’s portrayal of Yahaya Bello as a fugitive and its actions against him appear to be part of a broader pattern of intimidation and harassment. The demand for the rule of law to be upheld remains a central tenet of this ongoing controversy.