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EFCC: Yahaya Bello Presumed Innocent as Trial Continues
The EFCC says former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello remains innocent until proven guilty, stressing that his ₦80.2bn corruption trial is ongoing and will be decided by the court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
The anti-graft agency clarified that Bello’s trial is still ongoing and that it is solely the responsibility of the court, not the EFCC, to determine his guilt or innocence.
The clarification follows public reactions to Bello’s recent declaration of interest in contesting the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027.
Bello is currently facing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of diversion and misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion in Kogi State funds during his tenure as governor.
Speaking on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, explained that criminal prosecution in Nigeria is a process that requires time, evidence, and witness testimony before a verdict can be reached.
According to Uwuajeren, the EFCC is actively prosecuting the case by presenting witnesses and documentary evidence, stressing that the final decision rests entirely with the judiciary.
He noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence for anyone standing trial, adding that Bello’s political ambitions or standing within his party have no bearing on the charges against him.
“The EFCC has no interest in party politics and is only focused on faithfully prosecuting the charges before the court,” Uwuajeren said.
He further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to fairness and due process, insisting that the case is being handled properly.
“One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes some time before issues are proven in court. As I speak to you, the trial is still ongoing,” he said.
“We are presenting witnesses, we have presented evidence. It is not the commission that will decide the matter; it is the court.”
Uwuajeren added that the EFCC’s duty is to ensure justice for both the prosecution and the defence, emphasizing that nothing has gone wrong in the handling of the case.
“So, whatever is happening to him within his party is party business. It has nothing to do with the EFCC or the charges we filed,” he said.
“We are not interested in politics. EFCC is a law enforcement organisation, and we are enforcing the law.”
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