The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a step back in its legal pursuit of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.
News About Nigeria reports that in a notice of withdrawal filed on Monday, April 22, the anti-graft agency expressed its intention to halt an appeal against an order from a Kogi high court that restrained it from arresting Bello.
The notice, signed by EFCC’s counsel, J.S Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), cited the fact that events had overtaken the appeal as the reason for the withdrawal.
According to reports, the EFCC also acknowledged that the appeal was filed beyond the time allowed by law.
A portion of the EFCC’s notice of discontinuance reads, “The Appellant herein intends to and do hereby wholly withdraw her appeal against the respondent in the above-mentioned appeal. This notice of withdrawal is predicated on the fact that; on the 17th April 2024, the application filed by the appellant herein was overtaken by the decision of the same high court of Kogi state in the case of Alhaji Yahaya Bello Vs EFCC- Suit No: HCL/68m/2024, per A. I. Jamil.”
This development comes after reports emerged earlier that Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), had ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to Bello.
The directive was conveyed in a police message, indicating a significant turn of events for the former governor.
Earlier, EFCC’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede vowed to ensure the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, reaches its conclusion.
Speaking to reporters at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, Olukoyede promised to step down if Bello is not brought to trial, News About Nigeria reports.
He also warned that anyone obstructing the former governor’s arrest would face consequences.
