Femi Falana, a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, has strongly criticized a recent court ruling that barred the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting and prosecuting certain individuals, notably former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Falana argues that such a ruling contradicts constitutional provisions, specifically Section 35(1)(c), which grants law enforcement agencies the authority to arrest criminal suspects upon reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.
He emphasizes that being a former governor does not grant Bello immunity from arrest and prosecution, as immunity ceases once a governor leaves office.
Falana cites legal precedents, including the Supreme Court’s stance in the case of Orji Kalu v Federal Republic of Nigeria, where the court dismissed the notion of a “gagging order” preventing law enforcement agencies from carrying out their duties.
In essence, Falana contends that the court’s ruling obstructs justice and undermines the EFCC’s mandate to combat corruption.
He calls for the withdrawal of police officers who obstructed the EFCC’s attempt to arrest Bello and urges the Inspector-General of Police to take swift action against them for obstruction of justice.
