EFCC , Yahaya Bello: Contempt Hearing Stalled by Judges’ Workshop
A highly anticipated hearing in the contempt case between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello was unexpectedly postponed on Monday due to a judges’ workshop at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
The case, which centres on allegations that the EFCC violated a court order by attempting to arrest Bello, was scheduled to resume on May 20th. However, court officials informed lawyers and litigants that the session would not take place due to a two-day workshop focused on reviewing the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals, Courts, and Appeals.
This development comes after a rollercoaster of legal maneuvers. On May 3rd, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC’s request to stay contempt proceedings initiated by a Kogi State High Court against its chairman, Mr. Ola Olukayode. Olukayode had been summoned to show cause why he shouldn’t be jailed for disobeying a court order restraining the EFCC from arresting Bello.
The Kogi State High Court previously ruled that the EFCC’s actions constituted contempt, as they allegedly attempted to arrest Bello despite a court order to the contrary.
The case is now adjourned, with a new hearing date to be communicated to the parties involved. The delay is likely to frustrate both sides, with Bello seeking to uphold the contempt charge and the EFCC aiming to clear its chairman’s name.
