According to Vanguard, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, a notable human rights lawyer, has rejected allegations that said he questioned why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had not arrested Alhaji Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari and Bello Mattawale, two former governors of Zamfara State. The reports claimed that Ozekhome questioned the reason for the EFCC's failure to arrest them. A clarification was provided by Ozekhome, stating that his remarks were centred on the more comprehensive application of legal principles and the consistency of the court system in the processing of matters involving political leaders.
Ozekhome brought attention to the fact that, in a circumstance that was comparable to that of Yahaya Bello, former governors Yari and Peter Odili, as well as the current Minister of Defence, Bello Mattawale, had previously benefited from court rulings that prevented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from prosecuting them. The discrepancies in the method taken by the EFCC while dealing with various political leaders were brought to his attention, and he suggested that there should be more uniformity in the way the law is enforced through compliance.
The restraining order that was issued to Yahaya Bello is the primary topic of debate. The EFCC has recently filed a challenge against the ruling in an appeals court. Ozekhome's comments shed light on the legal complexity and alleged inconsistencies in the EFCC's pursuit of cases against high-profile individuals. They also raise questions about the criteria that are used in selecting when to respect such judicial orders. The judgement is likely to be handed out on Monday, April 22nd, 2024.
He said: “EFCC has challenged the restraining order granted to Yahaya Bello in an appeal court whose judgment is expected to be delivered on Monday 22nd April 2024 but couldn’t wait hence they decided to lay siege on his residence.
“The likes of Abdulaziz Yari, Peter Odili and current Minister of defence, Bello Mattawale has enjoyed similar court order restraining EFCC from prosecuting them in the past, the question begging for answer is why is Bello’s case different,” the said Article read in part.