The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent of fraud allegations until a competent court proves otherwise.
The Commission emphasized that Bello’s trial is still ongoing, and it is the court—not the EFCC—that will determine his guilt or innocence.
EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, made this clarification during an appearance on Arise TV on January 5. He explained that criminal prosecutions in Nigeria take time, as they involve presenting witnesses and evidence before the court. According to him, the EFCC’s role is limited to prosecuting the case diligently, while the final judgment rests entirely with the judiciary.
Uwuajeren also highlighted that under the Nigerian Constitution, anyone standing trial is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He stressed that Bello’s position or treatment within his political party has no bearing on the charges, noting that the EFCC is strictly focused on enforcing the law, not engaging in politics.
“One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes time to prove issues in court. As I speak, the trial is still ongoing. We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the Commission that decides the matter; it is the court. Our responsibility is to ensure that both the prosecution and the defense receive justice,” he said.
He added, “Whatever is happening to Yahaya Bello within his party is purely party affairs. EFCC is not a political party. We are not interested in politics. We are a law enforcement agency, and we are enforcing the law. Nothing has gone amiss in the handling of this case, and we remain committed to prosecuting it diligently.”
The EFCC had declared Bello wanted on April 18, 2024, over an alleged N80.25 billion money laundering case. Despite the declaration, Bello has been seen attending public events.
