Yahaya Bello: EFCC Contempt Proceedings Hearing Delayed

The two-day workshop, focused on reviewing the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals/Court and Appeals, commenced today in Abuja.

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 Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, was postponed on Monday at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The case, originally scheduled for Monday, faced a delay due to a workshop organized by the appellate court, as reported by NAN.

The two-day workshop, focused on reviewing the 2023 Election Petition Tribunals/Court and Appeals, commenced today in Abuja.

Earlier, on May 3, the appellate court granted an ex-parte motion for a stay of contempt proceedings filed by the EFCC against its chairman, as issued by a Kogi State High Court.

The EFCC boss, summoned to appear before the state court on May 13 to justify why he should not be imprisoned for disobeying its orders, appealed the trial court's ruling and sought a stay of proceedings.

The EFCC chair faces a contempt charge for actions that violated the lower court's order issued on February 9, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion.

Justice I. A. Jamil ruled in Suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and Motion No: HCL/190M/2024 that the EFCC's actions amounted to contempt. Despite a court order restraining them, the EFCC laid siege to the former governor's residence on April 17, attempting to arrest him.

Justice Jamil's order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Bello, represented by his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf. Bello sought an order to serve the respondent (EFCC chairman) with Form 49 Notice, compelling him to show cause why an order of committal should not be issued.

On May 3, during the Court of Appeal session presided over by Justice Joseph Oyewole, the EFCC's application to serve the appeal processes on the former governor through substituted means was granted.

The court adjourned the motion on notice hearing to May 20.

Lawyers and litigants present at the court on Monday were informed by the registrar that there would be no sitting due to the ongoing workshop attended by judges.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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