Nigeria: Yahaya Bello’s Media Office Accuses EFCC Of Desperate ‘Hatchet Job’ In Ongoing Case

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The media office of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of launching a “desperate hatchet job” in its ongoing case against Bello, alleging the anti-graft agency is acting under pressure to satisfy “undisclosed interests.”

In a statement released on Wednesday night, Michael Ohiare, Director of Bello’s Media Office, criticized the EFCC for its recent actions and public statements, calling them an embarrassment to the agency.

“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,” Ohiare said, adding that: “Interestingly, the more the Commission releases press statements under pressure, the more this becomes evident.”

Ohiare further alleged that the EFCC was crafting press releases in a “rogue style” to please certain interests, suggesting the Commission’s Chairman may be trying to secure his position by pleasing benefactors.

He urged the EFCC to focus on self-reflection and repairing its damaged reputation rather than continuing its campaign against Bello.

“The agency must recognize that Yahaya Bello remains innocent of the charges against him until proven guilty by a court of law,” the statement added.

Bello, who has maintained that he is following the rule of law, is currently facing multiple charges of money laundering.

Initially, 19 charges were filed against him, his nephew Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu, with offences amounting to ₦80.2 billion.

However, fresh charges filed on 25 September increased the alleged offences to ₦110.4 billion, naming Bello, Umar Oricha, and Hudu as defendants.

The EFCC has dismissed Bello’s recent visit to its office as a publicity stunt, with EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, asserting on Arise TV that Bello was not genuinely seeking to surrender himself.

Bello’s case is set to continue on 30 October 2024, when the Federal High Court in Abuja will deliver a ruling on his ongoing money laundering charges.