By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a dramatic turn of events, the legal saga involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken a significant leap forward. A Kogi State High Court has issued a compelling directive, commanding Olukoyede to appear before the court on May 13, 2024, to address serious allegations of contempt of court.
The court's decision arises from a series of events dating back to February 9, 2024, when the court issued an order restraining the EFCC from taking certain actions pending the determination of the substantive Originating Motion. Despite this clear directive, EFCC operatives, led by Olukoyede, reportedly engaged in activities that contravened the court's order.
On April 17, 2024, the EFCC operatives, undeterred by the court's injunction, descended upon the residence of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in what appeared to be an attempt to arrest him. This brazen move occurred despite the explicit restraining order, which explicitly prohibited such actions until the Originating Motion was resolved.
Prompted by these defiant actions, Yahaya Bello took legal action, filing a motion ex-parte through his legal representative, M.S. Yusuf, Esq. Bello sought the court's intervention to hold Olukoyede accountable for his alleged disregard of the court's order. The motion requested the issuance of a Form 49 Notice, compelling Olukoyede to show cause why he should not face criminal charges for contempt of court.
In a courtroom drama that ensued, Justice I. A. Jamil meticulously examined the arguments presented by Bello's legal team. After careful consideration of the evidence and exhibits provided, Justice Jamil found merit in Bello's assertions and granted the prayers outlined in the motion. The court ordered the summoning of Olukoyede to appear and answer to the contempt charge leveled against him.
Delivering the ruling on April 25, 2024, Justice Jamil emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Olukoyede's actions amounted to a blatant violation of the court's order and constituted contempt. Consequently, the court directed the issuance of a Form 49 Notice to Olukoyede, compelling him to appear before the court on May 13, 2024, to answer for his alleged misconduct.
This latest development underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting judicial orders. As the legal battle intensifies, all eyes will be on the forthcoming court appearance of Ola Olukoyede, signaling a pivotal moment in this high-profile case.
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