Pulse.ng : North Central group calls on President Tinubu to intervene in Yahaya Bello's case with EFp

North Central Progressive Voice, a Pan-
Nigerian Sociocultural group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the case of Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi state Governor's case with the EFCC.

Convener of the group, Comrade Yahaya Abubakar, made the call during a press conference at the NUJ Seretariat on Thursday in Kaduna.

He noted that the group were autonomous, non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing the
constitution, the judicial system, principles of social justice, and the rule of law to advocate for and uphold the Independence of the Judiciary and civil society.

He explained that their ur vision was to create a society where the judiciary fulfills its duty of administering justice impartially, and where law enforcement agencies maintain
their integrity without being manipulated by political interests to target adversaries.

Abubakar recalled that on April 17, 2024, the EFCC conducted a raid on the home of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, with the intent to arrest him on charges related to money laundering.

"This incident raises concerns about the EFCC's actions and
their potential violation of constitutional principles, judicial authority, and the
rule of law. We hereby extend an invitation to Mr. President to address this matter, which reflects a clear case of disregard for the authority and sanctity of our Constitution and legal system by the EFCC.

"On February 9, 2024, the Lokoja High Court issued an order prohibiting the
EFCC from arresting, detaining, or prosecuting former Governor His Excellency Yahaya Bello. This order was officially served on the EFCC on February 12, 2024. Subsequently, on February 26, 2024, the EFCC lodged an appeal (Appeal
No.: CAABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission versus
Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the aforementioned order with the Court of Appeal
Abuja Division. Alongside the appeal, the EFCC submitted a Motion for a Stay of Execution of the High Courts order.

"The Court of Appeal scheduled a hearing
for this motion on April 22, 2024. The commission's irresponsible and unconstitutional actions, if allowed to persist
unchecked, have the potential to tarnish the reputation of an administration that
has gained widespread support from conscientious Nigerians.

"We express our gratitude to Mr. President in advance for his prompt attention to
the matter,"he said.