Court restrains EFCC from arresting, detaining ex-governor Yahaya Bello

A High Court sitting in Lokoja on Wednesday restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting, detaining and prosecuting former governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi.

Justice I.A Jamil, gave the order in a two hour judgment delivered in suit no HCL/68/M/2020 in Lokoja on Wednesday.

The judge held that infringing on the fundamental human rights of the former Kogi is null and void except as authorised by the Court.

“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant.

“This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given,” he said.

Bello had filed a case of a breach of his fundamental human rights by the anti-graft agency before the state High Court.

The former governor had prayed for an order restraining the EFCC from arresting, detenting and prosecuting him unjustly.

Bello sought for the enforcement of his fundamental right against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Consequently, the Court restrained the respondents from persecuting the applicant, save only when it has a reasonable evidence upon proper investigation.

On the issue of jurisdiction as challenged by the EFCC, the judge said it had failed and so was dismissed.

“This honourable court has jurisdiction to entertain this application.

“Therefore, the substantive issues of fundamental human rights sought by the applicant succeeds, ” he declared .

Speaking to newsmen, Bello’s counsel, S.A. Abbas and M.S. Yusuf, described the judgment as a landmark and a victory to the judiciary.