The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is considering the “military option” against Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State.
On Thursday, the federal high court in Abuja adjourned the case against Bello, Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman, to April 23.
The EFCC alleged that the suspects diverted about N100 billion belonging to the Kogi government.
Responding to the EFCC allegations, the Kogi government said funds belonging to the state were not missing during the administration of the former governor.
Former Kogi Governor’s Absence in Court on Thursday Was a Strategic Move, Says EFCC Counsel.”
Kemi Pinhero, representing the EFCC, remarked that Yahaya Bello’s non-appearance in court was a deliberate strategy.
Bello’s attorney, Abdulwahab Muhammad, responded by pointing out that the court’s February 9 restraining order prevented the former governor from being taken into custody or charged.
He added that the EFCC had appealed the restraining order and that since the case is still pending, Bello’s arrest warrant from Wednesday is void.
Muhammed accused the EFCC of trying to bring the judge on a collision course with the court of appeals.
He said the court has no jurisdiction on the matter as the case is pending at the court of appeals.
Muhammed asked the court to vacate the arrest warrant granted against Bello because the court was “misled.”.
He said it may lead to anarchy if a court of competent jurisdiction and another court of competent jurisdiction issue opposing orders.
Responding, Pinhero said if the former Kogi governor believes he is innocent, he should appear in court to defend himself.
He said if Bello is unwilling to appear before the court, measures will be taken against him.
He said Section 287 of the Constitution allows security agencies, including the military, to produce a person before a court, adding that nobody is above the court or the rule of law.
After hearing arguments from the counsel, Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, adjourned further hearings to April 23.
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