The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside the contempt proceedings initiated by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, against EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede. The court granted the EFCC’s application to serve processes by substituted means on Bello.
In May, the Kogi State High Court summoned Olukoyede to appear and show cause why he should not be committed to prison for disobeying its orders, following a siege on Bello’s Abuja home. However, the EFCC boss appealed and sought a stay of proceedings.
A three-man panel of justices, including Justice Joseph Oyewole, Justice D. Z. Senchi, and Justice A.M. Talba, unanimously set aside the proceedings. The court ruled that the high court judge failed to extend the orders of February 9, 2024, in its final judgment of April 17, 2024, making the second issue raised by the respondent an academic exercise.
The EFCC operatives had laid siege on Bello’s residence on April 17, despite a court order restraining them, prompting the contempt proceedings. The Court of Appeal’s decision overturns the contempt proceedings, ending the legal battle.