The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has submitted a notice of withdrawal to cease an appeal against a Kogi High Court order restraining it from apprehending the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
The notice, filed on April 22, cites the overtaking of events and acknowledges that the appeal was lodged beyond the stipulated timeframe. It states, "The appellant herein intends to and do hereby wholly withdraw her appeal against the respondent in the above-mentioned appeal."
This withdrawal is based on the fact that on April 17, 2024, a decision by the same Kogi State High Court rendered the EFCC's application obsolete. The ex parte orders issued by Jamil on February 9, 2024, in the same suit subject to the appeal, were to remain in force until the hearing and determination of the originating motion, which Jamil finalized on April 17, 2024.
Furthermore, the notice acknowledges that the appeal was filed belatedly, thus the EFCC prays for its dismissal on the grounds of being filed out of time and being incompetent.
Meanwhile, the EFCC is prosecuting Bello on 19 counts related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds totaling N80.2 billion. The case is being heard by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
EFCC chief Ola Olukoyede, who pledged to prosecute Bello or resign, alleged that the former governor withdrew $720,000 from the state's accounts to prepay his child's school fees just before leaving office on January 27, 2024.
The anti-graft commission had declared Bello wanted after Governor Usman Ododo, his successor, reportedly spirited him away on April 17, 2024, obstructing EFCC operatives from arresting him when they surrounded his residence in Abuja.
