In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the contempt proceedings initiated by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede.
The three-man panel of justices, comprising Justice A.M. Talba, Justice D.Z. Senchi, and Justice Joseph Oyewole, delivered a unanimous judgment setting aside the proceedings.
Justice Oyewole, delivering the lead judgment, highlighted that the high court judge failed to extend the orders issued on February 9, 2024, into its final judgment on April 17, 2024.
He underscored that the respondent’s objection on the interim order had become moot, categorizing it as an academic exercise.
Furthermore, the appellate court awarded a sum of N1 million as costs against the respondent, affirming its stance on procedural fairness and adherence to judicial processes.
The backdrop of the case involves the EFCC boss being summoned to appear before the Kogi State High Court in May, following allegations of disobedience to court orders.
This arose subsequent to a siege on Bello’s residence by EFCC operatives, despite a court injunction restraining such actions pending the determination of a substantive motion.
In response to these events, the EFCC had appealed the ruling and sought a stay of proceedings, which the appellate court granted.
The court, led by Justice Oyewole, acceded to the EFCC’s application to serve appeal processes through substituted means on the former governor.
Legal representatives Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, and Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji, Esq., represented the EFCC during the proceedings, while Victor Oni, Esq., acted on behalf of the respondent.
The latest ruling marks a crucial turn in the legal battle between Yahaya Bello and the EFCC, emphasizing the judiciary’s commitment to upholding due process and fair administration of justice.