EFCC Breaks Silence, Says Yahaya Bello is Harmless of ₦80.2bn Trial Case
The {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee has reacted to public debate surrounding the continuing ₦80.2 billion case involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
In line with the anti-graft company, Yahaya Bello stays harmless within the eyes of the legislation till a courtroom delivers a remaining verdict.
It careworn that the matter continues to be earlier than the Federal Excessive Courtroom and has not been concluded.
The EFCC made this clarification following rising criticism over Bello’s reported plan to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027. The event had triggered contemporary public consideration on his trial.
Bello is at present going through prosecution over allegations linked to the diversion and mismanagement of Kogi State funds whereas he served as governor.
The cost is earlier than Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal Excessive Courtroom sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
Talking throughout a tv interview on Monday, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, mentioned the Fee doesn’t decide guilt. He defined that legal trials take time and comply with due course of.
In line with him, the EFCC is barely answerable for presenting proof and witnesses earlier than the courtroom. He added that judgment rests solely with the judiciary.
Uwuajeren acknowledged that the Fee is actively prosecuting the case and following all authorized procedures. He famous that nothing uncommon has occurred within the dealing with of the trial up to now.
He additionally pointed to constitutional provisions that defend people standing trial. He mentioned Bello’s political ambitions or standing inside his celebration haven’t any bearing on the case earlier than the courtroom.
In line with Uwuajeren, “The EFCC has little interest in celebration politics and is barely targeted on faithfully prosecuting the fees earlier than the courtroom.”
He additional mentioned the company stays dedicated to equity for either side within the case. He insisted that the prosecution is being carried out diligently and with out interference.
He mentioned:
“One factor we have to perceive how legal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes a while earlier than you show a few of these challenges in courtroom. Like, as I converse to you, the trial continues to be ongoing earlier than the courts.
“We’re presenting witnesses, now we have offered proof. It isn’t the fee that’s going to resolve the matter. It’s the courtroom that may resolve the matter.
“All we have to do is to comply with the prosecution how is occurring within the courtroom, and guarantee on the finish of the day, each the prosecution and the protection get justice.
“However having mentioned that, Yaya Bello, as we converse, is beneath trial, however the Structure presumes that anybody who’s beneath trial to be harmless till that case is confirmed.
“So, no matter is occurring to him inside his celebration, that’s the celebration affairs. It has nothing to do with the EFCC. It has nothing to do with the cost that we’re filed earlier than the courtroom.
“So the duty that we owe Nigeria is to be devoted to the fees that now we have filed in opposition to him within the courtroom, and we’re prosecuting these expenses religiously.
“Nothing has occurred, nothing has gone amiss when it comes to that and we’re dedicated to doing that.
“When it comes to Yaya Bello, regardless of the celebration does to him, that’s the celebration’s enterprise. EFCC isn’t a political celebration.
“We’re not fascinated with politics. EFCC is a legislation enforcement group, and we’re imposing the legislation, so to talk.”
The EFCC’s assertion seems geared toward calming public pressure and separating authorized proceedings from political actions.
Recall, Politics Nigeria had earlier reported the arraignment of Yahaya Bello over the alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud shortly after the top of his tenure as governor.
The case has since continued with a number of courtroom appearances because the trial progresses.