THE Court of Appeal has set aside the contempt proceedings initiated by ex-Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede.
Justice Joseph Oyewole, delivering a unanimous judgment, overturned the proceedings and dismissed the Respondent’s preliminary objection, citing technicalities.
The Appeal Court held that the trial judge failed to extend the Orders of February 9th in the final Judgment of April 17th.
He said the second issue raised by the former governor on the interim order, had become an academic exercise.
The Appellate Court had initially approved an ex-parte motion to halt the contempt proceedings against Olukoyede sought by ex-Governor Bello.
The Court also granted the EFCC’s application to serve the appeal processes on the former Governor through substituted means.
Consequently, the hearing for the motion on notice was adjourned to May 20 by the Court.
The EFCC Chairman was summoned to appear before the Kogi State High Court in May to explain why he shouldn’t be imprisoned for disobeying its orders.
However, he had filed an appeal against the trial court’s ruling and sought a stay of the proceedings.
The Kogi State High Court had based its decision on the premise that the EFCC Chairman had carried out actions despite being restrained by the Court’s order on February 9th, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating motion.
