The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has been restrained from taking any action against the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The verdict was delivered by Justice I.A Jamil of High Court IV on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
In suit no HCL/68/M/2020, Justice Jamil asserted that any infringement upon the fundamental human rights of the former governor is deemed null and void, except as specifically authorized by the court.
The judgment, delivered over the course of two hours, marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings surrounding Bello’s case against the anti-graft agency.
“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining, and prosecuting the applicant except as authorized by the Court,” Justice Jamil stated, emphasizing the definitive nature of the directive, which builds upon an earlier interim injunction.
Yahaya Bello initiated legal action against the EFCC, alleging a breach of his fundamental human rights by the agency. Through his legal representatives, he sought an order to prevent unjust arrest, detention, and prosecution. The judgment, therefore, represents a victory for Bello in his quest to assert and uphold his fundamental rights.
The Court’s decision also addressed the issue of jurisdiction, which had been challenged by the EFCC. Justice Jamil dismissed the agency’s argument, affirming the court’s authority to adjudicate on the matter. “This honorable court has jurisdiction to entertain this application,” the judge declared, thereby paving the way for the substantive issues related to fundamental human rights to proceed.
In response to the judgment, the counsels representing Yahaya Bello expressed their satisfaction, describing the ruling as a landmark victory for the judiciary. S.A. Abbas and MS Yusuf, speaking to newsmen shortly after the verdict, emphasized the significance of the judgment in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals
