Legal Professional Warns EFCC: To Avoid Media Trial Of Yahaya Bello

Legal Professional Warns EFCC: To Avoid Media Trial Of Yahaya Bello

A call to end the recurring media spectacle surrounding the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been voiced by legal activist and constitutional lawyer Wilfred Molokun, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to desist from such practices.

Molokun criticized the EFCC for what he perceives as an inclination towards conducting a trial by media in its pursuit to apprehend and prosecute Bello. Expressing dismay, Molokun emphasized the agency’s duty to uphold the rule of law in its endeavors to address economic and financial crimes, rather than resorting to what he termed as a campaign to “persecute, prosecute and humiliate” a former governor.

Speaking against the backdrop of the recent ruling delivered by Justice Isa Jamil Abdullahi of the Kogi State High Court on April 17, 2024, which restrained the EFCC from further harassment or threats of arrest against Bello in connection with ongoing criminal charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Molokun stressed the importance of maintaining order and fairness in legal proceedings. He urged the EFCC to defer to the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and await its ruling on Bello’s application to revoke the arrest warrant, emphasizing the need for due process to prevail.

Highlighting the upcoming ruling scheduled for May 10 regarding Bello’s application to set aside the arrest warrant, Molokun referenced arguments presented by Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, 2024, before Justice Emeka Nwite. Adedipe underscored the procedural irregularity in issuing the arrest warrant prior to formal charges being filed, advocating for its nullification. Additionally, he noted the EFCC’s subsequent application for substituted service of legal documents, following the refusal of Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, to accept them in open court.

Molokun emphasized the imperative of upholding the rule of law in all circumstances, urging both individuals and institutions, including the EFCC, to conduct themselves accordingly.

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