Court Restrains EFCC From Arresting Yahaya Bello After Agents Surround His House

The Kogi State High Court, in Lokoja, has issued a restraining order against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from taking any action against former governor Yahaya Bello. This ruling comes amidst an attempted arrest by EFCC operatives at Mr Bello’s residence in Abuja.

Judge I.A Jamil delivered the two-hour judgment in suit no HCL/68/M/2020 on Wednesday in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. The judge’s ruling coincided with the EFCC’s invasion of Mr Bello’s home in Abuja in a bid to effect his arrest.

The court’s decision effectively bars the EFCC from infringing upon the fundamental human rights of the former Kogi State governor. Judge Jamil emphasized that any attempt by the commission to arrest, detain, or prosecute Mr. Bello without court authorization would be null and void.

“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining, and prosecuting the applicant except as authorized by the court. This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given,” the judge stated.

Mr. Bello had previously filed a case alleging a breach of his fundamental human rights by the anti-graft agency before the state High Court. In his petition, the former governor sought an order restraining the EFCC from unjustly arresting, detaining, or prosecuting him.