Contempt: Appeal Court Grants EFCC’s Motion For Stay Of Proceedings

The Court of Appeal yesterday granted an ex parte motion for stay of proceedings of contempt application against the executive chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, by the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The Court of Appeal presided over by Hon. Justice Joseph O.K. Oyewole consequently granted the EFCC’s application to serve the processes in the appeal by substituted means on the former governor.

Oyewole was assisted by Hon Justice P. C. Obiora JCA and Hon. Justice Okon Abang JCA.

The appellate court also adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to May 20, 2024.

The EFCC boss  was summoned by Justice Isa Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court to appear on May 13, 2024.

The  judge asked Olukoyede to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for disobeying the orders of the court.

The EFCC, however, appealed the ruling of the trial court and sought a stay of the proceeding of the court.

The EFCC boss is facing a contempt charge for carrying out “some acts upon which they (the EFCC) have been restrained” by the Court on February 9, 2024, pending the determination of the substantive Originating Motion.