The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Commission highlighted that Bello’s trial is still underway and that the court, not the EFCC, is entirely responsible for determining his guilt or innocence.
This clarification came following public criticism of Bello’s statement of interest in running for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2027. Recall that Bello is being tried by the EFCC before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, for allegedly diverting and misappropriating N80.2 billion in Kogi State finances during his term as governor.
The EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwuajeren, noted on Monday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, which was watched by Vanguard, that criminal prosecution in Nigeria takes time and entails the presenting of witnesses and evidence in court.
Uwuajeren stated that the EFCC is now presenting witnesses and documentary evidence in the case, emphasizing that the outcome will be decided entirely by the court.
He stated that under the Nigerian Constitution, anyone on trial is assumed innocent until proven guilty, and that Bello’s political ambitions or status within his party have no influence on the charges brought against him.
According to Uwuajeren, the EFCC has no interest in party politics and is solely focused on properly pursuing the case before the court.
He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to achieving justice for both the prosecution and the defense, claiming that nothing went wrong in the conduct of the case.
“One thing we need to understand is how criminal prosecution works in Nigeria. It takes time, and as we speak, the trial is still ongoing before the court,” he said.
“We are presenting witnesses and evidence. It is not the Commission that will decide the case; it is the court.
“All we are required to do is to faithfully prosecute the charges and ensure that, at the end of the day, both the prosecution and the defence get justice.
