Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has countered former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello’s assertion that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) breached a Kogi State High Court order by seeking to arrest and arraign him before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday, Falana refuted Bello’s claim, stating that the EFCC had diligently adhered to the Kogi State High Court’s directive by filing charges of money laundering amounting to over N80 billion against him.
Falana emphasized that the order issued by the Federal High Court for Bello’s arrest and arraignment aligns with the Kogi State High Court’s directive, emphasizing the need for legal clarity in such matters.
He stated, “The Kogi State High Court specifically directed the EFCC to bring before the said Federal High Court, or any such appropriate Court, such criminal Charge, allegation or complaint in respect of whereof the Applicant is reasonably believed by the Respondent to have committed any offence.”
Falana’s intervention follows the EFCC’s recent attempt to apprehend Bello over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
The former governor’s situation has escalated, with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) placing him on a watch list and the withdrawal of police officers attached to him by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.