Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has made a striking claim that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asked him to leave their premises four hours after he voluntarily presented himself for questioning. This assertion was made through a statement from his Media Office, led by Director Ohiare Michael, in which Bello accused the EFCC of attempting to carry out a politically motivated smear campaign against him. He insisted that despite the agency’s actions, he remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Earlier, SaharaReporters had revealed that the EFCC criticized Bello, suggesting that he should be more concerned with clearing his name in court instead of portraying himself as a victim of persecution. The anti-graft agency emphasized that the proper avenue for Bello to answer to the 18-count charge of money laundering leveled against him would be before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. This was the same court where Bello’s legal team had previously committed to presenting him to face the charges.
In response, Bello’s camp dismissed the EFCC’s statement as a poorly crafted attempt to save face, questioning why the agency, which had declared him wanted, would suddenly ask him to leave after he presented himself at their office. His media office found it perplexing that the EFCC, which had claimed it could not interrogate or detain him because he was accompanied by a sitting governor, would later attempt a forceful arrest by raiding the governor’s official lodge, even after Bello had already spent hours at the EFCC’s office voluntarily.
The media office further stressed that the EFCC’s actions appeared to be part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish Bello’s reputation rather than a genuine effort to combat corruption. It accused the EFCC of pursuing a hidden agenda aimed at discrediting the former governor, especially by engaging in what it described as a “media trial” in the court of public opinion. Bello’s team reaffirmed his innocence and reminded both the EFCC and the Nigerian public that he could only be considered guilty if found so by a competent court.
The statement also addressed what it termed as operational blunders by the EFCC, arguing that the commission’s fixation on Bello and Kogi State was driven by ulterior motives rather than the pursuit of justice. It accused the EFCC of issuing poorly written and aggressive press statements aimed at pleasing certain undisclosed “benefactors.” Bello’s camp emphasized that the commission’s actions were eroding the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight, dragging the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into disrepute by association with such practices.
Yahaya Bello’s team highlighted that he has consistently adhered to the rule of law by allowing the courts to handle the accusations against him. They pointed out that he has never shied away from facing justice and has consistently ensured his legal representation in court, which is his right as a Nigerian citizen. The statement insisted that the EFCC cannot dictate how Bello or anyone else defends themselves in legal matters and that he will continue to fight for his constitutional rights.
The statement also criticized the EFCC’s alleged disregard for the rule of law, claiming that the commission has exhibited bias and selective adherence to court orders, especially when dealing with perceived enemies of those who might be pulling the agency’s strings. The media office specifically targeted EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, accusing him of either pursuing a personal vendetta against Bello or acting under the influence of individuals opposed to the former governor.
In conclusion, Yahaya Bello’s media office expressed concern about the EFCC’s conduct, reiterating that Bello remains committed to fighting the charges through legal and constitutional means. They emphasized that, despite the challenges posed by what they view as a politically motivated campaign against him, Bello will continue to assert his innocence and protect his rights under the law.