The Media Office of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has issued a firm response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, affirming that the former governor will adhere to legal protocols and appear in court as required.
The office accused the EFCC of exhibiting desperation in what it characterized as an effort to execute a “hatchet job” for undisclosed interests.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, signed by Director Ohiare Michael, the media office claimed that the anti-corruption agency is motivated by political factors and ulterior motives aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s reputation.
The statement criticized the EFCC’s operational and procedural missteps throughout its ongoing money laundering investigation against Bello, arguing that these blunders have highlighted a deeper issue regarding the agency’s intentions.
Responding specifically to an EFCC statement titled “Yahaya Bello Must Have His Day in Court,” which was issued the same day, the media office described it as a “face-saving but badly scripted statement.”
It emphasized that the EFCC’s fixation on both Kogi State and the former governor suggests motives beyond its stated goal of fighting corruption.
The statement recalled an incident from the previous Wednesday when Bello voluntarily reported to the EFCC for questioning but was reportedly neither interrogated nor detained after four hours. Instead, EFCC operatives later conducted a raid on the Kogi Government Lodge that night, raising questions about the agency’s sincerity.
“If the EFCC was truly interested in prosecution and not a deal by some unknown persons to humiliate the former governor and probably harm him for political reasons, would the agency not have taken him in on that day with a view to arraigning him in court on the next adjourned date?” Ohiare queried.
The statement continued, questioning why the EFCC would turn a money laundering allegation into a national embarrassment. “We want Nigerians to help us ask: What exactly does the EFCC want from former Governor Yahaya Bello?” it implored.
The media office assured that “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, will have his day in court. No one is contesting this. But it will be in line with the rule of law, not as prescribed by the EFCC,” the director added.
Ohiare further criticized the EFCC for its tense and poorly crafted press releases, which he argued undermine the agency’s credibility.
Expressing disappointment in the agency’s conduct, the media office urged the EFCC to reassess its approach to handling the case.
“Even if he is striving hard to keep his shirt by satisfying some supposed benefactors, like some have insinuated, the EFCC Chairman must be reminded that we are a member of the global village,” it stated.
The office contended that the EFCC should focus on mending its reputation rather than involving the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in its controversies.
Reaffirming Bello’s commitment to the rule of law, the media office stated that he has consistently sought legal representation and is prepared to defend his rights.
“The laws allow for representation, and he has constantly been represented by his lawyers. As a Nigerian, he has the right to explore all avenues within the rule of law to protect his fundamental human rights,” it noted.
Critically, the media office accused the EFCC of conducting a “desperate hatchet job of destroying the former governor’s reputation,” insisting that Bello remains innocent of the charges against him until proven guilty.
It highlighted the apparent contradictions in the EFCC’s actions, particularly regarding its earlier declaration of the former governor as wanted, only to later release him after his voluntary submission.
The media office elaborated on the troubling conduct of EFCC officials, stating, “No matter how much the EFCC tries to call an albino a white man for Nigerians in this case, the truth is gradually being uncovered.”
It reinforced that Bello will persist in his fight for justice through lawful means, opposing what it described as the EFCC’s bias and contempt.
Further, the statement lamented the agency’s perceived deviation from its legal obligations, accusing it of operating with a disregard for the rule of law.
“This is evident in the agency’s bullying, oppressive and reprehensible tactics of disregarding valid orders in cases relating to perceived enemies of their ‘sponsors or paymasters,’” it said.
The media office urged President Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the tensions between the EFCC and Bello, suggesting that a thorough inquiry could unveil the true motivations behind the alleged persecution.
“The chronology of events since April this year will reveal clear bias, intimidation, oppression, and total disregard for the rule of law by the Commission,” it warned.
Lastly, it reiterated that the EFCC’s actions since the initial siege on Bello’s residence were unjustifiable, noting that there had been a valid court order restraining such conduct.
The office also made it clear that the recent lifting of that order by the Court of Appeal had merely allowed Bello to present himself voluntarily at the EFCC headquarters on September 18.
The Media Office concluded by stressing that the EFCC should remain an investigator, not a judge, and implored the authorities to remind the EFCC Chairman of his obligations to the law and to the citizens of Nigeria, noting, “The more the Commission issues controversial press statements on former Governor Yahaya Bello, the more the world is made to see the desperation to achieve an aim that is not clear yet. But the law is definitely stronger than their might.”
In a show of solidarity, the media office commended the Kogi State House of Assembly and all Nigerians who have recognized the underlying motives behind the EFCC’s actions against Yahaya Bello, asserting that there is more to this situation than meets the eye.
