The State High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued a restraining order against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the arrest, detention, and prosecution of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice I.A Jamil delivered the two-hour judgment, stating that any infringement on Bello’s fundamental human rights is null and void unless authorized by the Court. The order explicitly prohibits the EFCC from taking any action against Bello without the Court’s approval.
The ruling stems from a case filed by Bello, alleging a breach of his fundamental human rights by the anti-graft agency. Bello sought protection from unjust arrest, detention, and prosecution, emphasizing the enforcement of his rights against the EFCC.
The Court’s decision not only restrains the EFCC from persecuting Bello unjustly but also asserts its jurisdiction over the matter, dismissing the EFCC’s challenge on this front.
Legal counsels for the applicant, S.A. Abbas, and M.S. Yusuf, hailed the judgment as a landmark victory for the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of upholding fundamental human rights.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battle between Yahaya Bello and the EFCC.
Credit: ChannelsTV
I think the EFCC needs to file an appeal immediately to a higher court. It’s inconceivable for a court to issue such a blanket ruling against a law enforcement agency (one charged to fight corruption). Yahya Bello is certainly no saint. I’m lost for words what human rights of his were thwarted by EFCC.
Better, let the court release the full record of this unusual restraint.