Yahaya Bello Raises Alarm as EFCC Raids Abuja Residence Despite Court Order

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, has sounded the alarm following the invasion of his Abuja residence by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello, through a statement from the Yahaya Bello Media Office obtained by SK Blog, urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC’s actions, according to Bello, blatantly disregard a court order issued by the Kogi State High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division, on February 9, 2024. The order, issued in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC, restrains the Commission from harassing, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him pending the determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.

Despite the pending judgment in the same suit, scheduled for delivery on the same day, the EFCC besieged Bello’s Abuja residence, seeking to effect his arrest in violation of the court order.

Bello’s statement highlighted the timeline of events, indicating that the EFCC had been duly served with the court order and had filed an appeal against it. Additionally, the judgment in the substantive case was set to be delivered in Lokoja later that day.

Expressing dismay at the EFCC’s actions, Bello emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and criticized the agency for disregarding court orders. He suggested that the EFCC’s actions might be influenced by political motives, potentially tarnishing Nigeria’s image and undermining the rule of law.

Bello’s statement concluded with a call to President Tinubu to intervene and ensure compliance with the court order, emphasizing the importance of maintaining legal integrity and preventing the escalation of anarchy.