Nigeria – Kogi Citizens Urge EFCC To Stop “Harassing” Yahaya Bello, Cry To Tinubu For Intervention

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Concerned citizens of Kogi State under the banner of the Forum of Amalgamated Unions of Concerned Kogi Citizens, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to halt what they describe as the “persecution” of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The group, led by the State Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, David Ehimony, during a press conference held at Edge Hotel, Lokoja on Monday, expressed deep concern over recent actions by the EFCC against Bello, including a raid on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on September 18, 2024.

In his speech, Ehimony stated, “We are gathered as a united people representing various civil society organizations, youth groups, and concerned Kogi citizens to address what we see as a pattern of persecution by the EFCC.” He detailed several instances of what the group views as unfair treatment of Yahaya Bello, pointing out the EFCC’s claim of misappropriation of N20 billion in 2021, which was later disproved by both Sterling Bank and the Kogi State Commissioner for Finance.

EFCC subsequently withdrew the case quietly, yet no public apology was issued, Ehimony noted.

Ehimony also highlighted the absurdity of allegations levelled against Bello for purportedly conspiring to steal N80 billion in 2015, a time when he was not yet governor. “The EFCC’s actions seem desperate,” Ehimony added, “They even revised their claims, stating the alleged offence occurred in 2016, just three weeks after Bello assumed office.”

The group condemned the EFCC’s recent raid on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, during which armed personnel attempted to arrest Bello, despite his voluntary appearance at the EFCC headquarters earlier in the day.

They criticized the commission for flouting its own directives prohibiting nighttime raids.

Ehimony and the Forum also raised concerns about selective justice, pointing out that other former governors, like Nyesom Wike and Bello Matawalle, have faced similar accusations but have not been pursued with the same intensity. “Why is Yahaya Bello’s case different?” Ehimony asked, calling the EFCC’s actions politically motivated.

The Forum called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, reminding the public that Yahaya Bello played a pivotal role in ensuring Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 APC primaries. They also urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to check the issuance of conflicting court injunctions that have plagued Bello’s case.

“If the harassment of our leaders goes unabated, the people of Kogi State might be forced to make a loud statement,” Ehimony warned, alluding to the state’s strategic position as a vital link between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

The group concluded by calling for an end to what they perceive as a campaign of persecution and demanded that Yahaya Bello, and by extension the people of Kogi State, be treated with dignity and respect.