The Court of Appeal in Abuja has mandated Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to present himself for arraignment before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme.
The appellate court’s ruling overturns a previous injunction by the Kogi State High Court that had temporarily blocked the EFCC’s efforts to prosecute Bello.
The unanimous verdict, delivered on Tuesday by a three-member panel led by Justice Ken Amadi, also prohibits Bello from initiating any further actions regarding the charges until his formal arraignment.
This ruling comes as a significant setback for Bello, who has been in hiding since the initial arrest warrant was issued.
The appeal was lodged by the EFCC following the Kogi State High Court’s decision in February, which had granted an interim injunction to Bello.
On February 9, the Kogi high court granted an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from “continuing to harass, threaten to arrest, detain, prosecute” Bello, his former appointees, and staff or family members, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.
The appellate court criticised the Kogi High Court’s judgment as “scandalous,” highlighting that the case filed at the trial court was intended to obstruct the legal process and shield Bello from prosecution.
Justice Amadi emphasised that the trial court’s decision undermined the EFCC’s statutory responsibilities, referencing a previous ruling by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole in EFCC vs. Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal agreed with the EFCC’s arguments, deeming the appeal “meritorious.” It invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), directing Bello to appear before the court for his arraignment in the case identified as Charge No.: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022, FRN vs. Ali Bello & Anor, before pursuing any other actions in the matter.
This decisive ruling is expected to advance the legal proceedings against Bello and ensure that the alleged money laundering charges are addressed in court.
Chioma Kalu
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