A High Court sitting in Lokoja stopped the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),On Wednesday from detaining and prosecuting past Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello
Justice I. A Jamil gave the order in a two-hour judgement delivered in suit no HCL/68/M/2020 on Wednesday in Lokoja.
The judge held that transgressing on the fundamental human rights of Yahaya Bello is not acceptable
“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining, and prosecuting the applicant.
“This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given, ” he said.
Bello had filed a case of a breach of his fundamental human rights by the Anti-graft agency before the state High Court.
The former governor had prayed for an order restraining the EFCC from arresting, detecting, and prosecuting him unjustly
Consequently, the Court restrained the respondents from persecuting the former Kogi state governor, safe only when it has reasonable evidence upon proper investigation.
On the issue of jurisdiction, as challenged by the EFCC, the judge said it had failed and so was dismissed.
“This honorable court has jurisdiction to entertain this application.
“Therefore, the substantive issues of fundamental human rights sought by the applicant succeed, ” he declared.
Bello’s counsel, S.A. Abbas and MS Yusuf described the judgement as a landmark and a victory to the judiciary.
