The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal challenging the ruling of Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The court had earlier struck out the EFCC’s suit seeking the forfeiture of 14 properties and the sum of N400m linked to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, citing his immunity from prosecution under the 1999 constitution.
In its appeal, the EFCC is seeking to overturn the ruling of Justice Oweibo, arguing that the immunity clause does not extend to cases of financial crimes, corruption, and money laundering. The anti-graft agency believes that the properties and the N400m linked to Governor Yahaya Bello were obtained through illicit means and should be forfeited to the federal government.
The EFCC had earlier filed the suit in 2021, alleging that the properties and the money were proceeds of unlawful activities, including fraud, theft, and money laundering. The agency had also sought an order of the court to forfeit the assets to the federal government.
However, the court had struck out the suit on the grounds that the EFCC had not provided sufficient evidence to support its claims, and that Governor Yahaya Bello was protected by immunity from prosecution.
The appeal filed by the EFCC seeks to challenge the immunity clause and establish the agency’s right to prosecute those accused of financial crimes, including governors who enjoy immunity under the constitution.
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This development has generated mixed reactions from members of the public, with some commending the EFCC for its commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions, while others believe that the anti-graft agency should respect the immunity clause and focus on other means of tackling corruption.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing, and stakeholders are keenly watching to see how it will play out in the coming weeks and months.
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