The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued a ruling requiring Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to appear for arraignment before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding an alleged N80 billion money laundering scheme.
This verdict overturns a previous injunction by the Kogi State High Court, which had temporarily halted the EFCC’s efforts to prosecute Bello.
The unanimous verdict, delivered by a three-member panel led by Justice Ken Amadi, also prohibits Bello from taking any further actions regarding the charges until his formal arraignment.
This ruling marks a significant setback for Bello, who has been in hiding since the initial arrest warrant was issued.
The EFCC lodged the appeal 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 harassing, threatening to arrest, detaining, or prosecuting Bello, his former appointees, staff, or family members pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.
The appellate court criticized the Kogi High Court’s judgment as “scandalous,” and highlighted that the case filed at the trial court was intended to obstruct the legal process and shield Bello from prosecution.
