ONIF TV Reports: Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) Criticizes Yahaya Bello’s Attempts to Evade EFCC Arrest
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has labeled former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello’s efforts to dodge arrest and prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as “legally untenable.”
Falana also criticized a court ruling that halted the EFCC from arresting and prosecuting the former Kogi governor.
“By virtue of section 35(1) (c) of the Constitution, the police, anti-graft agencies, and other prosecutorial bodies cannot be prevented by a court of law from arresting a criminal suspect once there is reasonable suspicion that he or she has committed a criminal offense,” Falana stated.
He added, “The allegation made by Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has disobeyed a court order by attempting to arrest him to answer the charge of N84 billion theft is legally untenable. As a former governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello has lost his immunity from arrest and prosecution. No court can confer a life immunity on a former governor in Nigeria.”
Falana referenced legal precedents to support his argument, citing cases such as Orji Kalu v Federal Republic of Nigeria and Uwazuruike v AGF.
“In view of the foregoing, the police officers who prevented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from arresting the suspect have committed a grave criminal offense. The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun should withdraw the said police officers from the private residence of Mr. Bello without any delay and have them charged for obstruction of justice,” Falana emphasized in a statement.