Former Kogi Governor Accuses EFCC Of A Desperate Campaign To Destroy His Reputation

The media office of former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of showing a desperate intent to execute a “hatchet job” for undisclosed interests.

In a statement released Wednesday night by the Director, Ohiare Michael, the office alleged that the anti-corruption agency is focused on damaging the former governor’s reputation for political motives and other reasons only known to them.

The statement highlighted the EFCC’s numerous operational errors and procedural missteps since initiating its alleged money laundering case against Bello. It described a press release by the EFCC the same day, titled “Yahaya Bello Must Have His Day in Court,” as “a face-saving but poorly crafted statement.”

Bello’s team contended that the EFCC’s obsession with Kogi State and the former governor indicates more than just a genuine commitment to combating corruption. Ohiare recounted an incident from the previous Wednesday when Bello voluntarily reported to the EFCC but was not interrogated or detained. Instead, EFCC operatives later stormed the Kogi Government Lodge at night.

He questioned, “If the EFCC was genuinely interested in prosecution rather than serving the interests of some unknown individuals intent on humiliating the former governor, why didn’t they detain him on that day for court proceedings?”

The statement continued, “Why turn a money laundering allegation into a nationwide embarrassment to appease certain collaborators? We ask Nigerians: What does the EFCC truly want from former Governor Yahaya Bello?”

The former governor’s office emphasized that Yahaya Bello will indeed have his day in court, but it will adhere to the rule of law, not dictated by the EFCC.

Ohiare further remarked that the EFCC’s increasingly frantic press statements only serve to highlight the agency’s biases. He lamented that a crucial institution like the EFCC has devolved to issuing press releases that resemble rogue tactics to please its benefactors.

He urged the EFCC Chairman to remember that Nigeria is part of a global community and should prioritize self-reflection to repair its tarnished reputation instead of dragging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s name through the mud with practices counterproductive to the global fight against corruption.

The statement reiterated that former Governor Yahaya Bello has acted democratically by respecting the rule of law and seeking legal avenues to protect his rights. He is not afraid to face justice, consistently represented by legal counsel, and is entitled to explore all legal options to defend his rights.

Currently, the statement asserted that the EFCC appears more focused on executing a damaging campaign against Bello rather than pursuing genuine justice. The office emphasized that Bello is presumed innocent of the unsubstantiated charges until proven otherwise in a competent court.

Many Nigerians, both domestically and internationally, remain baffled by the actions of an anti-graft agency that declared the former governor wanted but then allowed him to leave after four hours of voluntary reporting.

The situation was further complicated when EFCC officials claimed they could not detain Bello because he was accompanied by a sitting governor, yet later attempted a forceful arrest at the governor’s official residence.

Ohiare insisted that despite the EFCC’s attempts to spin the narrative, the truth is becoming increasingly clear. Yahaya Bello intends to defend his rights constitutionally and will not yield to the manipulations of an agency that has exhibited bias and a blatant disregard for his life.

He reiterated that former Governor Yahaya Bello is a supporter of the rule of law and has sought to enforce his fundamental rights like any other citizen. Conversely, the EFCC has shown significant disrespect for legal standards, employing bullying tactics against those perceived as enemies of its “sponsors.”

The statement suggested that the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, may be pursuing a personal vendetta or trying to appease certain adversaries of Bello who might have tasked him with this mission.

The office expressed sympathy for the EFCC during this tumultuous time, noting that public awareness has grown regarding the selective nature of the agency’s anti-corruption efforts, which could undermine the intentions of President Tinubu and negatively impact the well-being of Nigerians.

They called on President Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the ongoing conflict between the EFCC and former Governor Yahaya Bello to uncover the true motives behind the persecution.

The timeline of events since April reflects apparent bias, intimidation, and a complete disregard for the rule of law by the Commission. They reiterated that the EFCC had no business at Bello’s residence during the initial siege because of a valid court order, which had not been vacated, nor did they provide proof of a formal invitation.

Clarifying the timeline, the Court of Appeal recently vacated the order, allowing Bello to present himself at the EFCC headquarters on September 18 while still pursuing enforcement of his rights.

Ohiare questioned why, if the EFCC was genuinely interested in prosecution, they did not detain him for court arraignment on that day. He noted that the EFCC should not serve as both investigator and prosecutor; however, it has assumed a judge-like role.

He urged the authorities to advise the EFCC Chairman to focus on his duties as an investigator rather than letting personal interests lead to unnecessary blunders. The more the EFCC releases controversial statements regarding Yahaya Bello, the more its desperation becomes evident.

The media office expressed gratitude to the Kogi State House of Assembly for speaking out and thanked all Nigerians who recognize that the EFCC’s actions towards former Governor Yahaya Bello stem from motivations beyond public knowledge.