The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims that it disobeyed a court order concerning former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Amidst debates on whether the EFCC flouted a court directive regarding Bello’s arrest, the anti-graft agency issued a press statement signed by Wilson Uwujaren, the acting Director of Public Affairs. Uwujaren clarified that although Bello sought refuge through a fundamental rights enforcement action, granted by Justice Isa Abdulallahi of the Kogi State High Court, this order did not nullify a separate order from the Federal High Court for Bello’s arrest in connection with his arraignment.
Uwujaren emphasized that the Kogi State High Court’s order solely aimed to enforce Bello’s personal liberty and freedom of movement, without precluding the Federal High Court’s authority to issue appropriate orders for his arraignment. He clarified, “The order made by the Federal High Court for the arrest of Mr. Yahaya Bello, for the purpose of his arraignment, is not in conflict with the order of the Kogi State High Court.”
Highlighting the distinction between a criminal charge and a fundamental rights enforcement action, Uwujaren stressed that the EFCC remains committed to prosecuting politically exposed persons and upholding its mandate in the nation’s interest.