EFCC Set to Grill Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello after Immunity Ends

Following the end of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello’s tenure on January 27, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reportedly gearing up to invite him for questioning. With Bello no longer shielded by the immunity granted to governors, the EFCC and other security agencies are poised to launch an investigation into his eight-year administration.

This development comes after an earlier legal action seeking the forfeiture of properties and funds linked to Bello was dismissed, citing his immunity from prosecution. However, the EFCC has filed an appeal challenging this ruling, arguing that Bello’s immunity does not extend to properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In the notice of appeal, the commission asserts that the court erred in dismissing the suit, contending that Bello’s immunity does not cover properties reasonably suspected to be derived from unlawful activities. The EFCC also argues that the court failed to consider previous legal precedents that support its position.

The EFCC’s appeal is based on the assertion that the trial court’s decision to strike out the suit and the preservation order of the properties, despite acknowledging concerns about the origin of the funds used to acquire them, was a miscarriage of justice.

As the legal battle unfolds, attention will be focused on how the courts interpret the immunity clause for former governors and the extent to which it applies to assets allegedly acquired through illicit means. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the fight against corruption in Nigeria, particularly regarding the accountability of public officials after leaving office.

Politics Nigeria