The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court, Lokoja Judicial Division, regarding alleged abuse of office and powers in a case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a statement released by NEYGA spokesperson, Dan Musa, in Abuja on Saturday, the group asserts that Justice Jamil’s orders were not only illegal but also constituted a significant abuse of judicial process and authority, especially in light of established judicial decisions.
NEYGA contends that the interim injunction granted by Justice Jamil not only undermines the authority of the Supreme Court and the constitution but also sets a dangerous precedent for the judiciary. The group emphasized the need for disciplinary action against Justice Jamil to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The statement outlined several legal principles violated by the interim injunction, highlighting the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court over matters involving the federal government and its agencies, including the EFCC. NEYGA argued that the case instituted by Yahaya Bello and the subsequent orders issued by Justice Jamil contravene constitutional provisions and established Supreme Court precedents.
In a related development, Justice Isa Abdullahi Jamil recently ordered the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, to appear in court on May 13, 2024, for allegedly disobeying a court order. The order stemmed from a motion ex-parte filed by Yahaya Bello, represented by his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf, Esq., accusing the EFCC of violating a court order issued on February 9, 2024.
Justice Jamil’s ruling, delivered on April 25, 2024, directed the issuance of a Form 49 Notice to show cause why an order of committal should not be made against the EFCC Chairman. The court ordered Olukoyede to appear before it on May 13, 2024, to respond to the contempt charge.
The developments in the Yahaya Bello vs EFCC case have raised concerns about judicial integrity and the rule of law, prompting NEYGA’s call for a thorough investigation by the NJC into Justice Jamil’s conduct. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the future of legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals and government agencies.
