JUST IN: Court Halts Yahaya Bello’s Contempt Proceedings Against EFCC Chair

The Court of Appeal has intervened in the ongoing contempt proceedings initiated by former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, against the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olokoyede. Presided over by Hon. Justice Joseph O.K. Oyewole JCA, the court, assisted by Hon. Justices P. C. Obiora JCA and Okon Abang JCA, ordered a stay of execution and proceedings in this matter.

This decision comes in response to a motion pending before the High Court of Kogi State, overseen by Hon. Justice Isa Abdullahi Jamil, concerning the case of Yahaya Bello versus EFCC. The Court of Appeal, after hearing Chief J. S. Okutepa (SAN) along with legal representatives Eko Ejembi Eko (SAN), Abdulkareem Musa Esq, and David Ojogbane Akogu Esq, found merit in the motion Ex-parte and scheduled the hearing of the motion on notice for May 20, 2024.

Furthermore, the court ordered for substituted service of all case processes to be posted at Yahaya Bello’s last known address in Abuja, specifically at No 9 Bengazi Street, Wuse Zone 4. This directive stems from the case of EFCC Vs. Alhaji Yahaya Bello Appeal No: CA/ABJ/CV/413/2024.

The first motion, led by Chief J.S. Okutepa (SAN), sought an order to stay the execution of previous orders made in the case pending the determination of the motion on notice filed on May 2, 2024. The court granted this motion and scheduled the hearing for May 20, 2024.

The second motion aimed at serving Yahaya Bello all appeal processes through substituted means, specifically by posting them at his last known address in Abuja. This motion was also granted by the court.

Legal representation for the EFCC, including Chief J. S. Okutepa, SAN, Eko Ejembi Eko, SAN, Abdulkareem Musa, Esq, and David Ojogbane Akogu, Esq, appeared before the court in this matter.