EFCC Withdraws Appeal, Orders Restraining Yahaya Bello’s Arrest

In a dramatic turn of events, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn its appeal against a Kogi High Court order prohibiting the detention of Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.

This decision comes amidst acknowledgment from the commission that the appeal was filed beyond the legally permitted time frame.

In a notice of withdrawal filed on April 22, the EFCC cited the precedence of events as the basis for its decision to withdraw the appeal. The commission acknowledged that the Kogi State High Court’s decision on April 17, 2024, superseded the application that had prompted the appeal.

“The appellant intends to withdraw her appeal against the respondent in the above-mentioned appeal and does so hereby wholly,” stated a portion of the notice.

The withdrawal of the appeal comes against the backdrop of legal proceedings involving Yahaya Bello, who is facing prosecution by the EFCC on 19 counts related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and embezzlement of N80.2 billion in funds. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja is presiding over the case.

The controversy surrounding Bello escalated when, before leaving office on January 27, 2024, he allegedly withdrew $720,000 from state accounts to pay his child’s school fees in advance. EFCC chief Ola Olukoyede had vowed to prosecute Bello or resign over the matter.

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Adding to the complexity of the situation, Bello was listed as wanted by the EFCC after his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, purportedly whisked him away on April 17, 2024, preventing EFCC agents from apprehending him when they besieged his Abuja residence.

The withdrawal of the appeal marks a significant development in the legal saga surrounding Yahaya Bello, raising questions about the future trajectory of the EFCC’s prosecution efforts and the ongoing controversies surrounding the former governor. As the case continues to unfold, observers are keenly watching for further developments and their implications for the Nigerian political and legal landscape.