The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has issued a warning to anyone shielding the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, from complying with two court orders.
The EFCC stated that those who shield Bello from honouring the court orders could be prosecuted for aiding crime in the country.
The EFCC mentioned Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who has allegedly been using the immunity of his office to protect his predecessor from arrest by the anti-graft agency.
The anti-graft agency also revealed that the former governor and two others allegedly converted N110 billion in public funds for personal use, and warned that harbouring a criminal suspect is a criminal offence punishable by law.
The EFCC emphasized that corruption cases are serious criminal offences and should not be treated lightly by any suspect attempting to evade the court.
A legal practitioner, Adeyemi Sulaimon, supported the EFCC’s position, stating that a governor shielding a crime suspect could be prosecuted for providing cover for a crime suspect after leaving office.
He explained that aiding a crime suspect is a criminal offence under the 1999 constitution, which has no expiration time.
Therefore, a governor may be prosecuted for aiding a crime even after leaving office when the previously enjoyed immunity has elapsed.
Sulaimon also clarified that law enforcement institutions need to gather evidence and take action when the President or governor no longer enjoys immunity for their actions.
