Yahaya Bello: Hearing in EFCC Chair’s Motion Against Contempt Proceedings Postponed
The hearing of an ex-parte motion for a stay of proceedings, filed by EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukayode against a contempt charge brought by former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was postponed on Monday at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The delay was due to a two-day workshop organized by the appellate court on the Review of the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals/Court and Appeals, which started the same day.
On May 3, the Court of Appeal granted the EFCC’s ex-parte motion for a stay of contempt proceedings. The EFCC chairman had been summoned to appear before a Kogi State High Court on May 13 to explain why he should not be committed to prison for disobeying the court’s orders. This order was issued following the EFCC’s actions on February 9, which allegedly violated a court order restraining them.
Justice I.A. Jamil had ruled that the EFCC’s actions amounted to contempt when they laid siege to Yahaya Bello’s residence on April 17, aiming to arrest him despite an existing court order prohibiting such action until the originating motion was determined.
Bello’s lawyer, M.S. Yusuf, had filed a motion ex-parte requesting the court to issue and serve Form 49 Notice to the EFCC chairman, demanding an explanation for not complying with the court’s order.
During the May 3 session, the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Joseph Oyewole, approved the EFCC’s request to serve appeal processes to the former governor through substituted means and adjourned the motion on notice to May 20. However, due to the workshop, the court session scheduled for Monday was canceled.
The registrar informed attending lawyers and litigants about the cancellation, assuring them that new dates would be communicated to the parties involved.
Summary:
- The hearing on the EFCC chairman’s motion against a contempt charge by former Governor Yahaya Bello was postponed.
- The delay was due to a workshop organized by the Court of Appeal.
- Previous court orders and actions involving the EFCC and Yahaya Bello have led to ongoing legal proceedings.
- The new date for the hearing will be communicated to the involved parties.
For further updates, you can follow local news sources or the EFCC’s official communications.
