The media office of Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of engaging in face-saving tactics in a desperate attempt to carry out a hatchet job to satisfy undisclosed interests in the ongoing case between the agency and the former governor.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Michael Ohiare, Director of Bello’s Media Office, described the recent series of statements from the EFCC as an embarrassment to the anti-graft agency.
He said, “The EFCC has already shown the world, with its operational blunder last Wednesday, that there is another motive behind its obsession with Kogi State and the former governor, unrelated to the fight against corruption. Interestingly, the more the Commission releases press statements under pressure, the more this becomes evident.
“It is unfortunate that an agency as significant as the EFCC has stooped to crafting press releases in a rogue style to satisfy certain interests. Even if the EFCC Chairman is working hard to keep his position by pleasing some alleged benefactors, as some have speculated, he must remember that we are part of a global community.
“What the Commission should focus on now is self-reflection and repairing its damaged reputation, rather than continuing to tarnish the name of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with practices entirely inconsistent with the global fight against corruption.”
Ohiare further stated that Bello has acted as a democrat by adhering to the rule of law, opting to seek protection through competent courts of jurisdiction.
He added, “Bello is not afraid of justice and has consistently attended trials through his legal representation. As a Nigerian citizen, he has the right to pursue all legal avenues to protect his fundamental human rights. The EFCC cannot dictate to him, or anyone else, how to go about this.
“At present, it appears the EFCC’s sole focus is executing a desperate hatchet job aimed at destroying the former governor’s reputation and defaming him without any legitimate cause. The agency must recognise that Yahaya Bello remains innocent of the charges against him until proven guilty by a court of law.”
Earlier, the EFCC filed fresh charges against Bello, who is wanted in connection with the case. Initially, 19 charges were filed against Bello, alongside his nephew, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, relating to money laundering offences totalling ₦80,246,470,088.88.
However, in the new 16 charges, dated 25 September, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday, the total sum for the money laundering offences increased to ₦110,446,470,089.00. Bello, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu were named as the first, second, and third defendants.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the EFCC dismissedBello’s recent visit to its office as a publicity stunt, claiming he was not genuinely willing to surrender himself. EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, made this assertion during an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Thursday.
Uwujaren also noted that Bello had another opportunity to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, where his ongoing money laundering case was adjourned to 30 October 2024 for a ruling.
