Yahaya Bello Accuses EFCC of Political Motives in Ongoing Investigation; Give Reasons
The Media Office of former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has expressed concerns about the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), claiming the agency is driven by ulterior motives in its investigation against him.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, the office alleged that the EFCC is intent on damaging Bello’s reputation for political reasons, asserting that its actions reflect operational missteps since initiating a money laundering case against him. The statement, authored by Director Ohiare Michael, dismissed the EFCC’s recent announcement titled “Yahaya Bello Must Have His Day in Court” as poorly constructed and insincere.
Bello’s team pointed out that the EFCC’s focus on him and Kogi State seems more about political gamesmanship than a genuine anti-corruption effort. Ohiare recounted a recent incident where Bello voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC but was neither interrogated nor detained, raising questions about the agency’s intentions.
“If the EFCC were truly committed to justice, why didn’t they take action immediately?” he asked, criticizing the agency for what he termed an embarrassing spectacle for the nation. He urged Nigerians to question the EFCC’s motives in targeting Bello.
The statement underscored that while former Governor Bello respects the legal process and is prepared to face any charges in court, he will do so under the rule of law, not under the pressures of the EFCC’s public relations tactics. Ohiare emphasized that the EFCC’s repeated statements only highlight their desperation and bias against the former governor.
He criticized the EFCC for resorting to tactics that could undermine the integrity of its mandate and called for the agency to reassess its approach. The office highlighted the need for the EFCC to preserve its credibility in the fight against corruption, asserting that Bello is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Furthermore, the statement noted the contradictions in the EFCC’s actions, especially after a previous siege on Bello’s residence despite a valid court order protecting him. The office urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the EFCC’s conduct, as the timeline of events since April points to possible bias and misconduct.
In conclusion, the Media Office reiterated that Bello is committed to upholding his rights and will not succumb to what they describe as a politically motivated assault on his character. They called on the EFCC to focus on its role as an investigator rather than oversteppin
g its authority.
