The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the suspension of the case filed by the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, regarding contempt.
It's important to note that Bello previously filed a lawsuit to defend his human rights and prevent the EFCC from arresting and holding him.
On February 9, Justice Isa Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court issued a temporary order preventing the EFCC from taking any action against Bello until the lawsuit is resolved.
The anti-graft body initially appealed the ruling but later withdrew the appeal because the situation had changed.
Following this, the commission pursued a case against Bello at the Federal High Court in Abuja, resulting in an arrest warrant for the former governor.
In response, Bello took the matter to the Kogi High Court, initiating a contempt case before Justice Jamil.
As a result, the anti-graft agency asked the Appeal Court to halt the contempt proceedings brought by Bello against its chairman, Ola Olukoyode.
A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Joseph Oyewole alongside Justice P. C. Obiora and Justice Okon Abang, granted the EFCC's request, putting a pause on the enforcement of the contempt proceedings.
A legal team representing the EFCC, including Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), Eko Ejembi Eko (SAN), Abdulkareem Musa, Esq, and David Ojogbane Akogu, Esq, appeared in court.
In accepting the requests, Justice Oyewole stated that the motion had merit and set the hearing for May 20, 2024.
The court also ordered that all documents related to the case should be posted at No 9 Bengazi Street Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, which is Bello's last known address.
The judge stated, “The second motion for an order to serve Yahaya Bello through substituted means is granted.
The court has granted the request for substituted service by posting the documents on the gate of Bello's last known address.”
